The Traffic

ASUU Elects Professor Chris Piwuna as New National President in Leadership Shake-Up

By Achimi Muktar

In a surprising twist that could reshape the future of Nigeria’s higher education landscape, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a seasoned Consultant Psychiatrist and Professor of Medicine, as its new national president.

The dramatic leadership change took place during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, hosted at the University of Benin in Edo State. Professor Piwuna clinched victory against his sole challenger, Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, in a closely watched election.

Until his emergence, Piwuna served as the union’s National Vice President and previously held the position of Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Jos, Plateau State. His rise to the top now places him at the helm of ASUU during one of its most turbulent periods in recent history, with issues ranging from university funding to staff welfare demanding urgent attention.

He replaces Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, a Professor of Agriculture from the University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, who had been leading the union since May 2021.

All eyes are now on ASUU's next move, with members and the general public awaiting the official communique expected at the end of the congress on Monday. Will Professor Piwuna's medical expertise bring a new prescription for ASUU’s long-standing challenges? The nation is watching.