The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chris Piwuna, as its next president.
Newsonspot gathered that Piwuna, who is also the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, takes over from Victor Osodeke, a Professor of Soil Science from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.
The decision was taken at the 23rd National Delegates Congress of the Union, which took place in Benin on Sunday.
The election was contested between Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, according to verified sources familiar with the development.
Piwuna’s assumption of office comes amidst widespread speculations of industrial action following issues surrounding the sharing formula of the Earned Academic Allowances recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, brain drain, among others.
About Professor Chris Piwuna
Professor Chris Piwuna is a medical doctor and Reader in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Jos in Nigeria. He holds an MBBS from the University of Jos (2000), an MSc from the European Centre of Ageing at the University of Malta (2013), and a Fellowship from the West African College of Physicians (2008).
His research interests lie in geriatrics and gerontology, with a specific focus on the quality of life in older adults. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals on this topic and others, including research on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues.
In addition to his academic roles, Professor Piwuna is a consultant psychiatrist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and heads the psychogeriatric unit. He is also actively involved in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Professor Piwuna is married and has three children.
