The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has called for the radicalisation of professional associations within the educational sector to strengthen their capacity to influence government decisions.
Piwuna made the call on Friday in Jos at an Educational Colloquium organised in his honour by the Plateau State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). The event was themed “The Role of Professional Associations in Shaping and Strengthening the Educational System in Nigeria.”
According to him, only a radical and united front among professional associations can make the government take the education sector seriously.
“If we radicalise our associations, government will wake up. Our associations are not being listened to because we operate as if we’re part of government establishments,” Piwuna said.
He explained that with clear principles and well-defined objectives, professional bodies could effectively push the government toward implementing progressive policies in education.
“There is nothing like partners in progress. It’s like the horse and the rider—the rider always directs where he wants the horse to go. We need to speak the truth to those in power and remind them that our shared goal should be the progress of the nation,” he said.
The ASUU president urged educational unions such as SSANU, NASU, and COEASU to form a united front, stressing that a collective voice would amplify their impact and compel the government to prioritise education.
“If we unite, our force will be so great that every Nigerian will see where we are going with education. The government will have no choice but to take education seriously and give it the attention it deserves,” he added.
Reflecting on ASUU’s achievements, Piwuna noted that although his tenure had yet to record major accomplishments, the union’s historical contributions, including the creation of TETFund and the NEEDS Assessment programme, had significantly shaped Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to sustaining the legacy of past leaders and ensuring continued advocacy for improved funding and governance of universities.
The event was attended by academics, union leaders, and representatives of various professional associations across the country.
