The University of Abuja Alumni Association has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to reconsider the proposed revocation a large portion of land allocated to the institution.
In a letter signed by Habeeb Abdulkadri, the association’s president, and Abdullahi Dangana, general secretary, the group described the planned reduction of the university’s land from over 11,000 hectares to 4,000 hectares as “unlawful” and “arbitrary”.
The alumni said the land was originally granted to the university in 1988 by the military government under Ibrahim Babangida as part of a national vision to establish a comprehensive academic and research institution in the capital.
“The land in question is not just a physical space but a national educational treasure,” the letter reads.
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“Its revocation at this time profoundly undermines the strategic future of the university, especially as it strives to expand its research capacity, accommodate an increasing student population, and fulfil its dual-mode mandate.”
In June, Wike reportedly said his administration had stopped what he described as “land grabbing” by the University of Abuja, claiming that out of 11,800 hectares originally allocated to the university, 7,000 hectares had been reclaimed by the FCT administration.
But the alumni association said the land is critical to the long-term vision of the university, which includes establishing research hubs, agricultural zones, and infrastructure for both conventional and distance learning.
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“The proposed revocation of two thirds of this portion at this time profoundly undermines the strategic future of the university, especially as it strives to expand its research capacity, accommodate an increasing student population and inherent Staff increase, and fulfil its dual mode (conventional and distance learning) mandate,” the letter reads.
The association said the land was specifically envisioned to accommodate a main campus with extensive infrastructure for conventional and distance learning, agricultural, scientific, and environmental research zones, and recreational and community services.
The association also argued that the land is protected under the Land Use Act and that any revocation without proper legal process and compensation would be a violation of land tenure laws and natural justice.
“Any attempt to reduce this allocation without due process, adequate compensation, and demonstrable and bona fide overriding public interest, distinct from general land management objectives, would constitute a violation of established land tenure laws and principles of natural justice,” the letter stated.
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“The land is not a mere territory. It represents hope, unity, and development for past and future generations.”
The alumni warned that if the minister failed to respond to their appeal, they would initiate a series of actions, including peaceful protests, legal redress, and petitions to the presidency and international education bodies.
“We remain open to dialogue but are fully prepared to escalate this matter if treated with contempt,” the association said.
They called on the FCT administration to adopt a more constructive engagement process and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the university’s long-term development goals.
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