ASUU Welcomes New President Following Osodeke’s Exit

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Prof. Chris Piwuna as its new national president. This was decided at the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, held in Benin on Sunday.

Prof. Piwuna is a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital and also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos. He takes over from Prof. Victor Osodeke, a soil science expert from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Understand who Prof. Chris Piwuna is

Prof. Piwuna is known for his work in mental health and student welfare. His role as Dean of Student Affairs gives him direct experience with student needs and challenges. He also brings a medical background to a union often led by academics in other fields.

This leadership may signal a new approach to how ASUU responds to national issues affecting university staff and students.

Learn how the ASUU election happened

The election took place during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress. It was contested between:

• Prof. Chris Piwuna from the University of Jos
• Prof. Adamu Babayo from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

Delegates from across the country took part in choosing the new leader. Sources confirmed that Prof. Piwuna won the vote and has now taken office.

Know what issues may shape ASUU’s next steps

Prof. Piwuna starts his term during a tense period in Nigerian higher education. Several key problems remain unresolved, such as:

• The sharing formula for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) recently released by the Federal Government
• Brain drain, as many lecturers leave the country for better pay abroad
• General concerns over staff welfare and working conditions

There are talks of possible strike action if these matters are not settled. The new president will play a major role in deciding ASUU’s next move.