Professor Chris Piwuna elected new ASUU National President

Professor Chris Piwuna, a renowned Consultant Psychiatrist and Professor of Medicine, has been elected as the new National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

His emergence follows the conclusion of ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, held from May 8 to May 12 at the University of Benin, Edo State.

Before his election, Professor Piwuna served as ASUU’s National Vice President and was formerly the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos. He clinched the presidency after defeating Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

“Other details will be contained in the communique that will be issued later today,” a union official told this newspaper under anonymity.

While information about other newly elected officers remains undisclosed, Piwuna’s emergence has already drawn praise from his colleagues.

Describing him as a fitting successor, a source said: “Much more progressive but very disciplined, exposed, and a comrade in its true sense.”

Professor Piwuna earned his MBBS from the University of Jos in 2000 and later obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Malta. He holds a fellowship with the West African College of Physicians and is also affiliated with the International Psychogeriatric Association.

Currently serving as a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, he previously led the psychiatry unit at the same institution.

His election comes amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector, including funding shortfalls, infrastructure decay, unresolved salary issues, and continued debates over university autonomy.