Piwuna, UNIJOS mental health professor, becomes 14th ASUU President

Chris Piwuna, a professor of mental health at the University of Jos, has been elected as the new president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Piwuna’s victory was declared after the election held on Sunday night in Benin, marking the conclusion of the union’s 23rd National Delegates Conference.

The newly elected ASUU president received 216 votes, defeating Prof. Adamu Babayo from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, who secured 118 votes in a closely contested election.

He takes over from Emmanuel Osodeke, a professor of soil science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia.

This distinguished academic and expert in mental health had previously served as ASUU vice president and is recognized for his unwavering support for university revitalisation and improved staff welfare.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Piwuna is expected to lead the union for a term of two years.

In the election for the vice president position, Dr Austen Sado from the University of Port Harcourt won with 232 votes, defeating the outgoing Treasurer, Prof. Olusiji Sowande from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, who received 174 votes.

Likewise, Adamu Peter, who chairs the Kaduna State University chapter of the union, was elected as the new Treasurer.

Peter garnered 296 votes to beat Prof. Denis Aribodo of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, who obtained 106 votes.