The Academic Staff Union of Universities has declared strong resistance as ASUU opposes Coventry University campus deal, warning that the proposed partnership with the Federal Government could undermine Nigeria’s university system.
The union made its position known through its National President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, during a public engagement in Bauchi State.
The position that ASUU opposes Coventry University arrangement follows the Federal Government’s plan to establish a campus of the United Kingdom-based Coventry University in Nigeria under a Transnational Education partnership.
The initiative was advanced after engagements between Nigerian officials and foreign institutions, with the proposed campus expected to be located in Alaro City, Lagos State.
It is designed to offer programmes in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Business, and Technical Education.
Government officials indicated that the institution would award degrees equivalent to those obtained in the United Kingdom, with admissions projected to begin in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Speaking on the development, ASUU President Christopher Piwuna stressed that ASUU opposes Coventry University deal because it could weaken the country’s higher education system rather than strengthen it.
He argued that the establishment of a foreign university campus sends a negative signal about the quality and capacity of Nigerian universities.
“This is an attempt to re-colonise us,” Piwuna said, expressing concern over what he described as external dominance in the education sector.
He maintained that the union would resist the implementation of the plan, insisting that national efforts should focus on improving local universities rather than introducing foreign alternatives.
The ASUU opposes Coventry University stance also reflects long-standing concerns raised by the union regarding funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and unresolved agreements between ASUU and the Federal Government.
Piwuna noted that addressing these challenges should take priority, as they directly affect the quality of education and the stability of academic programmes across public universities.
The ASUU opposes Coventry University development highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly regarding policy direction and investment priorities.
It reflects a broader debate on whether foreign partnerships should complement or compete with domestic institutions, especially at a time when local universities face structural challenges.
The disagreement may also influence future decisions on transnational education initiatives and the role of international institutions in Nigeria’s higher education system.
