The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has vowed to resist the plan by the federal government to establish a campus of the United Kingdom’s Coventry University in Nigeria, arguing that allowing such would further erode the value and relevance of Nigerian universities.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made this known on Friday in Bauchi during a public lecture organised by the Sa’adu Zungur University branch of the union.
He observed that President Bola Tinubu, had during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, signed an agreement that includes plans to establish a Nigerian campus of Coventry University.
Top Society reports that the federal government is advancing plans to establish a Coventry University campus in Nigeria through a Transnational Education (TNE) partnership aimed at expanding access to globally recognised degrees.
According to the statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education, was in the United Kingdom where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu, engaging with UK university leadership, key investors, and development partners to drive the initiative forward.
“The proposed campus, to be located in Alaro City, Lagos State, will offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), Business, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“All degrees will be equivalent to those awarded in the United Kingdom. Admissions are expected to commence between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals,” the statement read.
ASUU has criticised the proposal, describing it as an attempt to “re-colonise” Nigeria’s education sector. He argued that the institution is facing financial constraints, including a £58 million deficit and a decline in African student enrolment.
Piwuna said that the move comes at a time when the institution is experiencing declining admission applications globally. He added that the university is also pursuing cost-cutting measures projected to reach £100 million over the next two years.
“They deny Nigerians visas to study abroad, yet they want to come here and take our money. This will not stand. We are going to resist it,” he vowed.
The ASUU President urged the government to rather focus on improving the standard of Nigerian universities to better serve the educational needs of present and future generations.
He maintained that ASUU would oppose any aspect of the agreement related to education, noting that it runs contrary to the Federal Government’s moratorium on the establishment of new universities.
