The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to establish a United Kingdom university campus in Nigeria, vowing to resist its implementation.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this known during a public lecture in Bauchi, organised by the Sa’adu Zungur University branch of the union.
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a recent visit to the United Kingdom, signed an agreement that includes plans to establish a Nigerian campus of Coventry University.
Piwuna criticised the proposal, describing it as an attempt to “re-colonise” Nigeria’s education sector. He argued that the UK institution is grappling with financial challenges, including a £58 million deficit and declining enrolment of African students, alongside cost-cutting measures projected to reach £100 million over the next two years.
He also questioned the rationale behind the move, noting concerns about visa restrictions faced by Nigerians seeking education abroad.
According to him, ASUU will oppose any part of the agreement related to education, stressing that it contradicts the Federal Government’s moratorium on establishing new universities.
Despite his criticism, Piwuna commended the Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Professor Fatima Tahir, for implementing a new salary structure for staff.
The lecture also featured contributions from academics including Suleiman Abdullahi Karwai of Ahmadu Bello University and Abubakar Sadiq Usman of Gombe State University.
They encouraged lecturers to diversify their income through ventures such as investments, real estate, publishing, and consultancy, emphasising the importance of financial sustainability alongside academic work.
