He rightfully points out in the video that even if the data isn’t sold, it could still be leaked and then proceeds to show how insecure the camera systems are. This kind of surveillance infrastructure just shouldn’t exist to begin with.
Check out the Collabra Office android app. It probably covers your needs.
What you describe might be true for Canada, but it doesn’t apply to all universities. Many universities have two primary tasks: research and education. These are two separate tasks with overlap.
I do find it understandable if publicly funded universities place restrictions on how many students they accept per program as it’s their duty to give back go society.
I think you’re on point with the malicious compliance. Google doesn’t want to give up power and control. Requiring all installations to run through them seems to be their workaround.