Prof. Chris Piwuna of UNIJOS emerges ASUU President at Pivotal National Congress

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a Psychiatric Consultant and Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), as its new national president. His emergence followed a highly contested election at the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress (NDC), which concluded over the weekend at the University of Benin, Edo State.

Prof. Piwuna takes over from outgoing president, Prof. Victor Osodeke, a lecturer in the Department of Soil Science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Osodeke’s tenure was marked by a series of high-profile engagements with the federal government, including protracted strike actions aimed at drawing attention to the deteriorating conditions in Nigerian public universities.

The NDC, ASUU’s highest decision-making organ, brought together delegates from universities across the country to deliberate on pressing national education issues and elect new leadership. In the presidential race, Prof. Piwuna defeated Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, in what insiders described as a competitive but orderly contest reflecting the union's internal democratic strength.

Piwuna assumes leadership at a particularly volatile moment for tertiary education in Nigeria. The system continues to grapple with chronic underfunding, unresolved issues surrounding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), and the alarming rate at which experienced academics are leaving the country in search of better opportunities—a trend that many fear could cripple the nation’s academic future.

Stakeholders also continue to raise concerns over university autonomy, poor infrastructure, and stalled negotiations over staff welfare. These challenges, many say, require firm but strategic leadership—qualities Piwuna is expected to bring to the table given his academic background and previous involvement in ASUU’s internal affairs.

As he steps into the role, expectations are mounting that Prof. Piwuna will navigate these complex issues with renewed energy and a clear agenda. His ability to engage constructively with government stakeholders while preserving the union's core mission will likely define his presidency in the months and years ahead.