By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja – May 20, 2025: Professor Chris Piwuna, National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) a Consultant Geriatric Psychiatrist and Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos. His election was announced during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held in Benin City on May 11, 2025. Piwuna succeeds Professor Victor Emmanuel Osodeke and will serve a two-year term.
Beyond his leadership role in ASUU, Prof. Piwuna is also making significant strides in the field of geriatric social care. He is currently leading the University of Jos Multidisciplinary Learners Team participating in the second batch of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Quality Assurance Assessors Training and Certification program, which is ongoing in Abuja.
In an interview with Thesightnews correspondent, Prof. Piwuna commended the progress made over the past four years in improving the quality of life for Nigeria’s elderly population. He highlighted key achievements driven by the NSCC, including the establishment of legal and policy frameworks, the development of active aging programs, and partnerships with both local and international bodies.
“If you look at where we were four years ago and where we are today, it’s unimaginable,” Piwuna said. “We now have formal policies and MOUs with agencies within and outside Nigeria, which were once unthinkable.”
One notable advancement is the integration of NIN-based data to facilitate access to grants and support services for senior citizens. Prof. Piwuna emphasized that the elderly are now a policy priority, marking a monumental shift in Nigeria’s approach to aging.
However, he noted that challenges remain, particularly in the area of data collection. “We need to ensure comprehensive data coverage, especially for elderly people in rural areas who are often excluded from formal systems,” he explained. “A reliable social register will enable better healthcare access, including discounts or free treatment, depending on available funding.”
As both ASUU President and a passionate advocate for geriatric care, Prof. Piwuna’s dual leadership roles position him as a key figure in advancing social welfare and educational reform in Nigeria.
