The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has advised the Nigerian political class to study and emulate the Union’s leadership selection model, which it described as transparent and merit-based.
The call was made by the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Timothy Namo, while addressing journalists at the University of Jos during the presentation of the Union’s new President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, to the University of Jos branch Congress.
Namo said ASUU’s internal electoral process ensured that only individuals who have served and earned the trust of members at both branch and national levels could be elected into leadership positions.
“Our leadership process is very transparent. I want to challenge the Nigerian electoral system to study it,” he said.
He added that ASUU leaders must be known for their contributions to the Union, stating that no one could assume leadership by mere declaration of interest or financial capability.
“You must be identified based on your pedigree. If you come out openly to say you want to be a leader in ASUU, you are disqualified,” he said.
On the challenges facing the new ASUU President, Namo said the unresolved issues that led to the Union’s eight-month strike in 2022 remained and must be addressed.
“The economic atmosphere in the country is demoralising, and the government needs to listen to us and address the problems affecting the university system,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of ASUU, University of Jos branch, Prof. Jurbe Mwolwus, said the Congress was convened to formally receive Prof. Piwuna, who emerged as ASUU President at the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
He said Prof. Piwuna, who hails from the branch, had served in various capacities at both the local and national levels of the Union.
“This is historic for our branch as this is the first time one of us is elected ASUU President,” Mwolwus said.
He described Piwuna as honest, courageous, and emotionally intelligent, and expressed confidence that he would build on the achievements of his predecessors.
Prof. Piwuna is expected to lead the Union for a two-year term.
