The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Nigeria's political class to study and emulate the union's leadership selection process, describing it as transparent and merit-based.

Speaking to journalists at the University of Jos after presenting the union's newly elected President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, to the Congress, ASUU's Bauchi Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Timothy Namo, emphasized the stark differences between ASUU's electoral system and Nigeria's political process.

"Our leadership process is very transparent. I want to challenge the Nigerian electoral system to come out and study our electoral system," Prof. Namo stated. "If we get to the point we are in ASUU, then we should be able to get good leaders emerging from any electoral process in this country."

Prof. Namo highlighted that ASUU's leadership selection is based on merit and service rather than financial influence. "You can't just become an ASUU leader without going through the rudiments of leadership from the branch to the national level; you cannot just become an ASUU leader because you think it's your birthright," he explained.

"You must be known in ASUU, you must have made sacrifices to the Union, and you must be known from the rank and file of ASUU, from the branch to the national level, not like the Nigerian system that if you have money, you become a leader," he added.

Challenges Facing New Leadership

Addressing the challenges awaiting the new ASUU President, Prof. Namo mentioned unresolved issues from the union's eight-month strike in 2022. "Those issues have not been resolved. They have been handed over to him; he has to find a way of getting those issues resolved," he said.

"The members are still agitating, restive; and the economic atmosphere in Nigeria is demoralising," Prof. Namo noted, emphasizing the need for government engagement on issues affecting the university system.

The chairperson of the University of Jos Branch of ASUU, Prof. Jurbe Mwolwus, described the election of Prof. Piwuna as historic, noting that it marks the first time a member from the University of Jos branch has attained the position of ASUU national president.

"Prof. Piwuna is a very honest and truthful person; he's also a very fearless and courageous person. He's also a very emotionally intelligent person, and so we expect nothing but good results from this combination of character in one person," Prof. Mwolwus remarked.

The University of Jos ASUU branch expressed confidence that Prof. Piwuna would consolidate on the gains and progress made by his predecessors while effectively addressing the challenges facing Nigeria's university system.