The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has kicked against the Federal Government’s move to establish a United Kingdom university campus in Nigeria, vowing to resist the proposal.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this known in Bauchi during a public lecture organised by the Sa’adu Zungur University branch of the union.
He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a recent visit to the UK, signed an agreement that includes plans to set up a Nigerian campus of Coventry University.
Piwuna faulted the development, describing it as an attempt to “re-colonise” Nigeria’s education sector, stressing that the institution is already facing financial difficulties, including a £58 million deficit and declining African student enrolment.
“They deny Nigerians visas to study abroad, yet they want to come here and take our money,” he said.
He maintained that ASUU would resist any part of the agreement tied to education, noting that it contradicts the Federal Government’s moratorium on new universities.
“This will not stand. We are going to resist it,” he added.
Meanwhile, he commended the Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Professor Fatima Tahir, for implementing the new salary structure, describing the move as commendable.
At the event, Professor Suleiman Abdullahi Karwai of Ahmadu Bello University encouraged lecturers to diversify their income streams.
“No lecturer should be poor. There are legitimate ventures that can complement academic work without compromising it,” he said.
He urged academics to explore opportunities such as real estate, publishing, consultancy, and shareholding, noting that many are already benefiting from such ventures.