The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as its new national president.
Piwuna, who also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, was elected during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held in Benin on Sunday. He succeeds Professor Victor Osodeke, a soil science expert from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.
In a closely watched contest, Piwuna emerged victorious over Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
His election comes at a time when the union is grappling with renewed concerns over unresolved issues with the Federal Government, including the disbursement formula for recently approved earned academic allowances, ongoing threats of industrial action, and a growing brain drain in the academic sector.
Piwuna’s leadership begins shortly after the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, announced on April 23, 2025, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the release of N50 billion to clear outstanding allowances owed to university staff.
ASUU has not officially responded to the new administration’s plans for higher education funding or industrial relations, but observers expect the new president to face immediate pressure to navigate negotiations with the government and prevent another nationwide strike.
