The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed strong opposition to the federal government's plan to establish a campus of Coventry University in Nigeria. The union's president, Christopher Piwuna, described the move as a form of colonialism in Nigeria's education system, arguing that it would further erode the value and relevance of Nigerian universities.
The planned entry of Coventry University comes at a time when the institution is experiencing declining admission applications globally. Piwuna urged the federal government to instead collaborate with ASUU to improve the standard of Nigerian universities. He noted that the union has long been committed to improving the country's university system.
The federal government has been advancing plans to establish a Coventry University campus in Nigeria through a Transnational Education (TNE) partnership. The proposed campus, to be located in Alaro City, Lagos State, will offer Bachelor's and Master's programmes in various fields. Admissions are expected to commence between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The ASUU president also issued a four-day ultimatum to the federal government to implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers. The agreement was reached in December 2025, and the implementation was scheduled to take effect from January 2026. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union, Piwuna warned.
The federal government's decision to establish a Coventry University campus in Nigeria raises serious questions about the value it places on Nigerian universities. By pursuing this initiative, the government is essentially undermining the efforts of ASUU to improve the standard of Nigerian universities. The proposed campus will offer globally recognised degrees, but at what cost to the country's education system? The government must address the concerns of ASUU and focus on improving the quality of education in Nigerian universities. The fate of Nigerian university lecturers, who are yet to receive their newly approved salary, hangs in the balance.
