ASUU slams Tinubu’s plan to bring UK varsity to Nigeria

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly opposed the federal government’s plan to open a Nigerian campus of a United Kingdom university.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this known during a public lecture held in Bauchi by the ASUU branch of Sa’adu Zungur University.

He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed an agreement during a visit to the UK, which includes plans to establish a campus of Coventry University in Nigeria.

Piwuna criticised the move, saying it could harm Nigeria’s education system. He described it as a form of “re-colonisation” and argued that the UK university is already facing financial problems, including a large deficit and fewer African students enrolling.

He also said it is unfair that Nigerians face difficulties getting visas to study abroad, while foreign universities want to come into Nigeria and operate.

According to him, ASUU will resist the plan, especially since the government already placed a ban on creating new universities.
“This will not stand. We will fight it,” he said.

However, Piwuna praised the Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Professor Fatima Tahir, for improving staff salaries.

At the event, other speakers encouraged lecturers to find extra sources of income. They advised academics to invest in areas like real estate, publishing, consultancy, and shares, while still maintaining their professional standards.

One speaker said lecturers can earn more money if they plan well and take advantage of business opportunities.