The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to establish a campus of a United Kingdom-based university in Nigeria, warning that it will resist any attempt to implement the proposal.
The union’s position was made public by its president, Chris Piwuna, during a lecture held in Bauchi and organised by the Sa’adu Zungur University branch of ASUU.
According to Piwuna, President Bola Tinubu recently signed an agreement during a state visit to the United Kingdom that includes plans to set up a Nigerian campus of Coventry University.
The ASUU president criticised the move, describing it as an attempt to “re-colonise” Nigeria’s education sector. He argued that allowing a foreign university to operate locally under such an arrangement could weaken the country’s public university system.
“This will not stand. We are going to resist it,” Piwuna said, making it clear that the union would oppose any part of the agreement that affects education.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria’s education sector is facing several challenges, including underfunding, strikes, and infrastructure deficits. ASUU has been at the forefront of pushing for better funding and improved conditions for both staff and students in public universities.
Over the years, the union has organised several strikes to demand increased government investment in education. These actions have often disrupted academic calendars but have also drawn attention to the problems facing the sector.
Piwuna questioned the logic behind inviting a foreign university to operate in Nigeria while local universities struggle with limited funding and resources. He also raised concerns about the financial health of Coventry University itself.
According to him, the institution is facing a deficit of about £58 million and is planning cost-cutting measures that could reach £100 million within two years. He also noted a reported decline in the number of African students enrolling in the university.
“They deny Nigerians visas to study abroad, yet they want to come here and take our money,” he said.
The ASUU president argued that instead of encouraging foreign institutions, the government should focus on strengthening existing universities in Nigeria. He said improving facilities, funding research, and supporting lecturers would have a more lasting impact on the country’s development.
Another issue raised by ASUU is the Federal Government’s existing policy on higher education. The government had earlier placed a moratorium on the establishment of new universities, aimed at controlling the rapid growth of institutions and ensuring quality.
Piwuna said the plan to allow a foreign university to open a campus in Nigeria goes against this policy. He warned that such actions could create confusion and weaken the regulation of higher education in the country.
Supporters of foreign campuses argue that they can help reduce the number of Nigerian students travelling abroad for education. Every year, thousands of Nigerians study in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, spending large amounts of money on tuition and living expenses.
By bringing foreign institutions into Nigeria, supporters say students can access international education at a lower cost. It could also create jobs and improve standards through competition.
However, critics like ASUU believe that such moves may favour profit over quality and could divert attention from fixing the problems within Nigeria’s public universities.
They also warn that foreign universities may attract top students and resources, leaving local institutions weaker.
The issue is further complicated by ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria, which have made it harder for families to afford education, both locally and abroad. Exchange rate pressures and rising costs have increased the burden on students and parents.
The discussion took place during a public lecture that also addressed the role of academics in building sustainable careers. The event was attended by lecturers, students, and other stakeholders in the education sector.
The Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Professor Fatima Tahir, was commended by ASUU for implementing a new salary structure for staff. Piwuna described the move as a positive step that could improve staff welfare and motivation.
The lecture featured presentations from experts in business and entrepreneurship. One of the speakers, Suleiman Abdullahi Karwai of Ahmadu Bello University, encouraged lecturers to explore additional sources of income.
He said relying only on salaries may not be enough, especially given the economic situation in the country. According to him, academics can invest in areas such as real estate, publishing, consultancy, and shares without affecting their primary responsibilities.
“No lecturer should be poor,” he said, urging academics to plan for their financial future.
Another speaker, Abubakar Sadiq Usman of Gombe State University, also spoke on entrepreneurship and the need for innovation within the academic community.
The lecture highlighted the growing need for lecturers to adapt to changing economic realities while continuing to maintain academic standards.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has not yet issued a detailed response to ASUU’s concerns about the proposed university campus. However, the issue is expected to generate further debate among policymakers, educators, and the public.
Nigeria’s education system remains a key area of national development. Universities play an important role in training professionals, conducting research, and supporting economic growth.
As discussions continue, many stakeholders agree that improving the quality of education should be the top priority. Whether through local reforms or international partnerships, the goal remains to provide better opportunities for Nigerian students.
For now, ASUU has made its position clear. The union is prepared to challenge the plan and push for policies that it believes will protect and strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
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