ASUU Vows Showdown Over Federal Government's Coventry University Deal
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared its firm opposition to the Federal Government's initiative to establish a campus of Coventry University, a United Kingdom-based institution, in Nigeria. This stance was articulated by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a public lecture held on Thursday in Bauchi, organized by the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) branch of the union.
Criticism of the Agreement as 'Re-colonisation'
Prof. Piwuna alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed an agreement to bring Coventry University to Nigeria during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom. He strongly criticized this move, labeling it an attempt at 're-colonisation' and questioning the logic behind permitting a foreign university to operate within the country. 'This is an attempt to re-colonise us,' Piwuna stated, highlighting concerns about the university's financial stability and enrollment trends.
He pointed out that Coventry University reportedly faces a deficit of approximately £58 million and has experienced a 43 per cent decline in African student enrollment. Additionally, the institution is implementing cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions, with projections to save about £100 million over the next two years. 'They are now coming to Nigeria to establish a university. They deny our people visas to study abroad, yet they want to come here and take our money. That is unacceptable,' Piwuna emphasized, underscoring the perceived hypocrisy and economic implications.
ASUU's Opposition and Policy Contradictions
Prof. Piwuna declared that ASUU would actively resist any aspects of the agreement related to education, arguing that it conflicts with the government's existing moratorium on the establishment of new universities. 'That agreement will not stand. We are going to oppose it,' he asserted, signaling a potential confrontation between the union and federal authorities over this policy.
Despite this criticism, Piwuna commended Prof. Fatima Tahir, the Vice-Chancellor of SAZU, for implementing the new salary structure for university staff, praising her efforts with the remark, 'If you continue like this, the day you leave office, we will carry you on our heads.' This acknowledgment highlights ongoing issues in Nigerian higher education, such as staff welfare and funding, which remain central to ASUU's advocacy.
Focus on Academic Entrepreneurship and Responsibilities
The public lecture centered on academic responsibilities and entrepreneurship among university lecturers. Prof. Suleiman Abdullahi Karwai from the Department of Business Administration at Ahmadu Bello University urged lecturers to invest early in income-generating ventures to improve their financial stability. 'No lecturer should be poor,' he advised, suggesting legitimate business activities that do not interfere with primary academic duties.
Prof. Karwai recommended various entrepreneurial pursuits, including:
- Buying shares
- Acquiring land
- Writing books
- Engaging in consultancy work
He noted that lecturers in other regions are already capitalizing on such opportunities and encouraged their counterparts in Nigeria to follow suit, promoting a culture of self-reliance and economic empowerment within the academic community.
