When protectionism masquerades as patriotism

The latest opposition by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to the proposed establishment of a Nigerian campus of Coventry University is not just disappointing; it is deeply misplaced. At a time when Nigeria’s higher education system is in urgent need of innovation, global integration, and credible alternatives, such resistance reflects a troubling pattern, a reflexive rejection of reform without offering viable solutions.

ASUU’s president, Christopher Piwuna, has framed the initiative as a form of “educational colonialism”, arguing that it would erode the value of Nigerian universities. This claim, while rhetorically appealing, collapses under scrutiny. What exactly is being eroded? A system plagued by incessant strikes, outdated curricula, poor infrastructure, and declining global competitiveness? If anything, the introduction of a globally recognised institution into Nigeria’s academic landscape should be seen as a challenge, one that could spur long-overdue reforms.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Education under Olatunji Alausa, is pursuing a transnational education (TNE) partnership that aims to expand access to high-quality degrees within Nigeria. The proposed campus in Alaro City is expected to offer programmes in STEMM, business, and technical education, areas where Nigeria faces acute skill shortages.

Rather than engage constructively with this initiative, ASUU has chosen the familiar path of resistance, which is not new. For decades, the union has been more visible for its strike actions and ultimatums than for forward-thinking proposals that could reposition Nigeria’s universities in a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy. While it is fair to acknowledge that government failures, particularly in honouring agreements, have contributed to the crisis, it is equally important to question ASUU’s own role in perpetuating stagnation.

The truth is uncomfortable; most Nigerian universities are no longer competitive on the global stage. Many students who can afford it are leaving the nation in droves, seeking quality education abroad. The irony is that ASUU’s opposition to foreign institutions setting up locally does nothing to stop this exodus; it merely ensures that Nigeria continues to export both talent and capital.

If a university like Coventry establishes a campus in Nigeria and offers degrees equivalent to those obtained in the UK, it presents a unique opportunity. It allows Nigerian students to access global education standards at potentially lower costs, while also creating competitive pressure on local institutions to improve. This is how ecosystems evolve: not through isolation, but through exposure and competition.

“While it is fair to acknowledge that government failures, particularly in honouring agreements, have contributed to the crisis, it is equally important to question ASUU’s own role in perpetuating stagnation.”

ASUU’s argument that the government should instead “fix Nigerian universities” is valid but incomplete. Reforming a broken system and opening it up to global partnerships are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they should go hand in hand. The presence of international institutions could serve as benchmarks, helping policymakers and local universities identify gaps and implement targeted improvements.

The ideal situation is one where Nigerian universities are strong, well-funded, and globally competitive. But ideals do not materialise through talks or resistance. They require deliberate policies, accountability, and a willingness to embrace change. ASUU, as a critical stakeholder, should be at the forefront of proposing reforms (curriculum modernisation, research funding frameworks, industry partnerships, and governance restructuring) and not merely issuing ultimatums over salaries and resisting external participation.

The way forward is clear. First, the federal government must remain committed to improving public universities by honouring agreements, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring transparent governance. Second, it should actively encourage responsible foreign partnerships that add value to the system. Third, regulatory bodies must ensure that any foreign campus meets stringent quality standards and contributes meaningfully to national development.

For ASUU, this is a moment for introspection. Opposition for its own sake is not leadership. If the union truly seeks to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system, it must move beyond a defensive posture and embrace a more progressive role, one that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

Nigeria cannot afford to be insular in a world driven by knowledge exchange and global competitiveness. The Coventry University initiative is not a threat but an opportunity. Rejecting it outright does not protect Nigerian universities but exposes their weaknesses.

In the end, the question is simple. Should Nigeria’s higher education system evolve or remain trapped in a cycle of decline? The answer will depend not just on government policy but also on whether stakeholders like ASUU are willing to rise above old habits and engage with the future.