By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong concerns over the vast expanse of land acquired by the University of Abuja, describing the situation as unacceptable and counterproductive to development.
Speaking during a project inspection tour of access road to EFCC Academy along the Airport Road Abuja, Wike questioned the rationale behind the university’s possession of over 1,000 hectares of land.
He gave the indication that such large land acquisitions often lead to under- utilization and even misuse and warned that if the land remains undeveloped, the government may have to reclaim it for more productive use.
The Minister also dismissed claims that the land might be reserved for future expansion, stating, “What future? Before you know it, they will start leasing it out. It doesn’t make sense. What makes a university is not the land size, but infrastructure and quality.”
“You can’t deny development just because a university wants to hold onto land it’s not using. We have visited schools and universities, it’s not about grabbing land. The real focus should be on infrastructure and academic quality, not land size.
“If you are given a land, If you develop it, fine. If not, the government will take it back and give it to those who are ready to develop,” Wike stated firmly.
Wike assured that the University of Abuja land matter will be further deliberated with the FCTA Director of land Administration as well as the Institution’s management.
“Let the Director of Land come to me; we will sit with the university and even the police to find out why the area has not been developed”.
In the course of the inspection, which forms part of the preparations ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being done on key road projects leading to locations like the EFCC Academy and the road leading to Apo Wassa.
“We are impressed with what we have seen. Contractors have assured us these roads will be ready for commissioning, and we believe Mr. President will be pleased,”
Dr Wike emphasized that the current administration is committed to ensuring that every awarded contract is completed and not abandoned, in line with the President’s development agenda.