The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns over the University of Abuja’s acquisition of over 1,000 hectares of land, describing the move as excessive and a hindrance to developmental efforts within the territory.
Wike made the observation during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja on Friday, ahead of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office.
“This has opened our eyes to the kind of land the University of Abuja has acquired. It is not acceptable. You can’t deny development,” Wike said. “What makes a university is not how much land it controls, but the quality of its infrastructure.”
The minister criticized the institution for failing to put the land to productive use and warned that any public land left fallow would be repossessed and reassigned.
“If you don’t develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who will,” he said. “We must stop this idea of acquiring land just for acquisition’s sake.”
Wike also questioned the underlying motive of such large-scale land acquisition. “Before you know it, they’ll begin to lease it out to individuals. That’s not what land meant for educational development should be used for,” he added.
The FCT Minister directed the Director of Lands to summon the university and the Nigeria Police, who also reportedly hold undeveloped land in the area, for a review and explanation on the underutilization of the allocated space.
Despite this concern, Wike commended the quality and speed of work on critical projects being executed across the territory. He singled out the 15-kilometre Wassa road project by CGC and another road linking the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital being handled by Levant.
“These projects reflect our commitment to ensuring that promises made are promises kept,” Wike noted, adding that several key projects will be completed and commissioned in May as part of the president’s anniversary celebrations.
He explained that current site inspections are focused on projects slated for completion in time for the second anniversary, with further rounds of inspections to cover other areas.
