By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong disapproval over the acquisition of more than 1,000 hectares of land by the University of Abuja.
He said the move was not only unjustifiable, but also counterproductive to the developmental goals of the territory.
Wike made the remarks on Friday, during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja, part of preparations ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
“I have discovered and also opened my eyes as to the kind of land that the University of Abuja has acquired. It is not acceptable. You can’t deny development, where a university will go and take over 1,000 hectares of land for what purpose? We have been to universities, we have gone around to schools, just the grabbing of land is not the whole idea. What makes a university is not the vastness of land, but quality infrastructure.”
He criticized the institution’s failure to develop the land, warning that any public land left idle would be reclaimed and reallocated.
“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 just acquiring land for the sake of acquisition.”
Wike also questioned the long-term intent behind the land acquisition, saying, “Before you know it, they will begin to lease it out to people. It doesn’t make sense. What makes a university is not the large expanse of land. What makes a university is the infrastructure, and the quality. It is not about land. You can have 20,000 hectares of land and the university does not have any infrastructure. So what does it help? We must stop this idea of just acquiring land for acquiring sake. That is not the essence of it.
He further queried the Nigeria Police for not utilizing a portion of land allocated to them in the same vicinity, directing the FCT Director of Lands to engage both institutions for clarification.
Meanwhile, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory, including the 15-kilometre road to Wassa, and another road linking the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, under construction by Levant.
“These projects are part of the FCT’s commitment to ensuring that promises made are promises kept,” Wike said, assuring residents that key projects will be inaugurated in May to mark the President’s second year in office.
He noted that while several roads are under inspection, the current visits are focused on those scheduled for inauguration during the anniversary celebrations.
