ASUU Elects Prof. Chris Piwuna As New President Amid Calls For University Reforms.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a distinguished consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as its new national president. The announcement was made following the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, held on Sunday, 11 May 2025, at the University of Benin in Edo State.
Prof. Piwuna, who also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, emerged victorious in a keenly contested election against Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. His victory marks a significant transition for the union, as he succeeds Professor Victor Osodeke, a renowned soil science expert from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, who has led ASUU since 2021.
The election, which concluded around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, saw Prof. Piwuna, a former vice president of the union, garner widespread support among delegates. His appointment as the 14th president of ASUU comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s public university system, with ongoing concerns over funding, academic autonomy, and staff welfare.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Piwuna pledged to prioritise meaningful dialogue with government stakeholders to address long-standing issues plaguing the sector. “We remain committed to our struggle for a better university system, driven by academic freedom, quality research, and adequate welfare for our members,” he stated, according to sources at the congress.
The new president’s leadership will be tested early, as speculations of potential industrial action loom. Key grievances include the Federal Government’s recent sharing formula for Earned Academic Allowances, which has sparked discontent among academic staff. Additionally, the persistent brain drain, with many lecturers leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, remains a pressing challenge. On 23 April 2025, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved ₦50 billion to settle outstanding allowances, but disagreements over distribution threaten to undermine this effort.
ASUU has long advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s university system, including improved infrastructure, enhanced academic freedom, and a sustainable funding model. Prof. Piwuna is expected to steer the union through these complex issues while fostering collaboration with federal authorities to avert disruptions to academic calendars.
The election has been met with optimism in some quarters, with academics praising Prof. Piwuna’s track record. “His experience as Dean of Student Affairs and his background in psychiatry equip him with the skills to navigate the delicate balance between advocacy and diplomacy,” a delegate from the University of Jos told reporters. Social media posts on X also reflected positive sentiment, with users congratulating the new president and expressing hope for progress in the education sector.
As Prof. Piwuna takes the helm, stakeholders across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will be watching closely to see how his leadership shapes the future of university education in the country.