Breaking: Piwuna emerges new ASUU president

DDM News

Professor Chris Piwuna has been elected as the new president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The election was conducted on Sunday during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held in Benin City, Edo State.

The event attracted delegates and representatives from universities across the country.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the congress was convened to elect new officers who will steer the affairs of the union.

Professor Piwuna is a seasoned consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital.

He also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos.

His academic experience and administrative background gave him an edge in the contest for the presidency.

He emerged victorious in a keenly contested election against Professor Adamu Babayo.

Professor Babayo is a scholar from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi State.

The election was said to be transparent and highly participatory, reflecting ASUU’s strong democratic culture.

Piwuna succeeds Professor Victor Emmanuel Osodeke, a respected soil science expert.

Professor Osodeke is from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Abia State.

During his tenure, Professor Osodeke was known for his firm stance on university funding and staff welfare.

He led ASUU through a turbulent period marked by prolonged strikes and deadlocked negotiations with the Federal Government.

His administration consistently pushed for improved funding of public universities and better conditions for academic staff.

ASUU, founded in 1978, has played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s university education system.

The union has become known for its vocal criticism of policies it considers harmful to higher education.

Over the decades, ASUU has engaged in several nationwide strikes to demand better conditions for lecturers and students alike.

The union maintains that adequate investment in education is key to national development.

With the emergence of Professor Piwuna, the union is expected to enter a new phase of engagement with the government and other stakeholders.

Piwuna’s background in psychiatry and student affairs may influence a more human-centered leadership approach.

His leadership style is expected to reflect a balance between advocacy and dialogue.

Stakeholders in the education sector are hopeful that his tenure will be marked by progress and fewer disruptions.

The new president is expected to continue the struggle for better infrastructure, improved funding, and enhanced welfare for university staff.

Students, parents, and the broader academic community will be watching closely to see how Piwuna navigates the complex challenges ahead.

His election has sparked optimism among ASUU members who believe in continuity and reform.

Observers say the union needs a leader who can foster unity and maintain pressure on policymakers without resorting to constant strikes.

Professor Piwuna now faces the enormous task of reconciling the need for academic stability with the union’s core mission of advocacy.

He is stepping into leadership at a time when universities are still recovering from recent shutdowns and financial instability.

As ASUU’s new helmsman, Professor Piwuna’s tenure will likely define the direction of higher education activism in the coming years.

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