Professor Chris Piwuna, a distinguished psychiatrist and former National Vice President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has been elected as the union’s new national president.
He succeeds Emmanuel Osodeke, whose tenure ended on May 11, 2025. Piwuna’s election marks a new chapter for ASUU, as he takes the helm amid critical challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The election, held during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress at the University of Benin, was contested between Piwuna and Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
With his new role, Piwuna will lead ASUU in navigating pressing issues, including the contentious sharing formula for Earned Academic Allowances, brain drain, and the push for university revitalization and academic autonomy.
A new national executive team was elected alongside Piwuna, featuring Austen Sado as Vice President, Happiness Uduk as Financial Secretary, Peter Adamu as Treasurer, Celestine Aguoru as Investment Secretary, Aisha Bawa as Welfare Officer, and Kassim Umar as Internal Auditor. Together, they will work to address the union’s priorities and advocate for the rights and welfare of academic staff in Nigerian universities.
Emmanuel Osodeke, the outgoing president, had a tenure marked by strong advocacy against policies like the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). During his leadership from May 30, 2021, to May 11, 2025, Osodeke consistently pushed for reforms that would enhance the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.
His re-election in May 2023 underscored his commitment and the trust placed in him by ASUU members. Piwuna’s leadership will likely build on these efforts as he steers the union forward.
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