ASUU opposes FG-UK Coventry University campus agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has kicked against agreements reached between the federal government and the United Kingdom on education, including plans to establish Coventry University in Nigeria.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, made the union’s position known at a public lecture organised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sa’adu Zungur University branch.

Piwuna described the proposed establishment of Coventry University campus in Nigeria as unacceptable, alleging that it was part of a broader agenda that could undermine Nigeria’s university system.

He expressed concern that while Nigerian students face visa restrictions to study in the UK, British institutions are seeking to operate within Nigeria.

According to him, “They have denied Nigerians visas to study in the UK, yet they are coming here to establish universities and take our money. This is another form of colonialism, and ASUU will strongly oppose it.”

The ASUU president further alleged that some foreign universities were facing financial challenges and declining international student enrolment, prompting their expansion into countries like Nigeria.

He insisted that Nigerian universities must be strengthened internally rather than allowing foreign institutions to dominate the sector.

Piwuna also emphasised the need to preserve the committee system in Nigerian universities, warning against excessive concentration of powers in the office of vice-chancellors.

On welfare, the ASUU leader issued a four-day ultimatum to the federal government to implement the agreed new salary structure for university lecturers.

He warned that failure to meet the deadline would attract a response from the union.

“We can not continue to wait indefinitely for the implementation of the new salary structure. If at the end of this month nothing is done, they will hear from us,” he said.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Fatima Tahir, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to staff welfare and productivity.

She noted that the university had taken steps to implement agreements reached with the federal government and ensure that the ASUU branch was not financially indebted.

Tahir urged academic staff to reciprocate management’s efforts by remaining committed to their duties and contributing to the growth of the institution.

She also called for a balance between the pursuit of staff welfare and the responsibility to sustain the university system, stressing the need to uphold institutional integrity and values.