Prof. Chris Piwuna Elected as New ASUU President – Key Takeaways
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Prof. Chris Piwuna as its new national president, marking a significant leadership shift for Nigeria’s foremost university lecturers’ union. The decision was made during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress in Benin on Sunday, where Prof. Piwuna emerged victorious over other contenders.
This change in leadership comes at a critical time for Nigerian universities, with unresolved issues such as staff welfare, brain drain, and the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) dispute still looming. Here’s what you need to know about the new ASUU president and what his election means for students and educators.
Who Is Prof. Chris Piwuna?
Prof. Chris Piwuna is a renowned consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos (UNIJOS). His background in mental health and student welfare sets him apart from previous ASUU leaders, who typically came from purely academic disciplines.
His leadership may bring a fresh perspective to ASUU’s negotiations with the government, particularly on issues affecting student well-being and lecturer welfare. Given Nigeria’s ongoing brain drain crisis, his medical expertise could also influence policies aimed at retaining academic talent.
How the ASUU Election Unfolded
The ASUU election 2024 was contested between:
Prof. Chris Piwuna (University of Jos)
Prof. Adamu Babayo (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi)
Delegates from universities across Nigeria participated in the voting process, with Prof. Piwuna securing the majority vote. He succeeds Prof. Victor Osodeke, a soil science expert from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, whose tenure was marked by prolonged strikes and contentious negotiations with the federal government.
Key Challenges Facing ASUU Under Prof. Piwuna’s Leadership
Prof. Piwuna assumes office at a crucial time, with several pressing issues demanding immediate attention:
- Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) Dispute – The Federal Government’s proposed sharing formula remains a contentious topic, with many lecturers demanding fairer distribution.
- Brain Drain in Nigerian Universities – The mass exodus of lecturers seeking better opportunities abroad continues to weaken the education sector.
- Staff Welfare & Working Conditions – Poor salaries, inadequate funding, and delayed promotions remain unresolved grievances.
- Potential ASUU Strike – If negotiations fail, another nationwide strike could disrupt academic activities.
Prof. Piwuna’s leadership will be pivotal in determining whether ASUU engages in further industrial action or secures favorable agreements with the government.
What This Means for Students & Nigerian Universities
The election of Prof. Chris Piwuna signals a potential shift in ASUU’s approach to advocacy. His experience in student affairs and mental health suggests a stronger focus on holistic education reforms, beyond just salary disputes.
Students and lecturers alike will be watching closely to see if his tenure brings stability or if another ASUU strike becomes inevitable. For now, the hope is that his leadership fosters constructive dialogue between the union and government.
Stay updated on ASUU developments by following our blog for the latest news on Nigerian education, university strikes, and government policies.
