By Adenike Lawal
Professor Chris Piwuna has been elected as the new national president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at a time when Nigeria’s ivory towers stand on shaky ground.
A consultant psychiatrist and Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, Piwuna emerged winner at the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held in Benin City on May 11.
He succeeds Professor Victor Osodeke and edged out Prof. Adamu Babayo in a closely contested election.
His emergence comes amid rising tensions over unresolved issues with the Federal Government, especially the sharing formula of ₦50 billion in earned academic allowances.
Though released by the Tinubu-led administration, the disbursement has sparked fresh anger among members.
Beyond the funds, festering issues such as poor working conditions and mass academic departures continue to rattle the university system.
Piwuna now inherits a union at a crossroads, with a potential strike looming and confidence in government promises wearing thin.
All eyes are now on ASUU’s new leader to steer negotiations, calm unrest, and restore stability to Nigeria’s public universities.
