The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist from the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as its new national president. His emergence comes at a turbulent time for the union, with fresh threats of industrial action looming over unresolved issues with the Federal Government.
Piwuna, who also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, was elected at the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, held on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Benin City. He replaces Prof. Victor Osodeke, a soil science expert from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, who had led the union through a series of high-stakes negotiations and strikes.
Piwuna defeated Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in a closely contested race. His leadership is expected to usher in a new phase of advocacy as ASUU grapples with persistent issues such as brain drain, underfunding, and disagreement over earned academic allowance (EAA) disbursement.
The Federal Government had, on April 23, 2025, announced the release of ₦50 billion to settle backlog payments owed to university workers. However, the allocation formula for ASUU members has stirred dissatisfaction within the ranks, sparking murmurs of a potential strike should the grievances remain unaddressed.
Stakeholders within the education sector are already watching closely. Some union insiders say the incoming leadership may not hesitate to issue a strike notice if ongoing negotiations falter. Piwuna, known for his firm stance on academic integrity and staff welfare, has pledged to fight for transparency and fairness in policy implementation.
As the new ASUU president assumes office, tension continues to build across campuses nationwide. Lecturers are reportedly divided over whether to accept the current EAA terms, while students and parents brace for possible disruptions in academic calendars.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s higher education sector, with calls mounting for a long-term funding framework and an end to the cycle of strikes that have plagued public universities for over two decades.
