By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna of the University of Jos as its new National President, following the conclusion of its 23rd National Delegates Congress held at the University of Benin, Edo State.
Professor Piwuna, who becomes the 14th president of the union, defeated Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, in a closely watched election.
He succeeded Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, under whose leadership the union experienced several high-stake negotiations with the Federal Government over staff welfare and university funding.
Piwuna’s emergence as ASUU President comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s public universities, as the union intensifies its push for improved funding, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, full university autonomy, and better conditions of service for its members.
The new leadership is also expected to confront the growing wave of academic brain drain,mass migration of university lecturers in search of better opportunities abroad,which continues to weaken the nation’s higher education system.
Observers believe Piwuna’s tenure will be defined by how effectively the union engages with government authorities and stakeholders to protect the rights of academic staff and strengthen the university system through sound labour practices and policy advocacy.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
