Wike Challenges University of Abuja Over Idle Land Allocation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns about the vast portion of land allotted to the University of Abuja that has remained unused.

He expressed displeasure over the extended period during which no development has taken place on the property.

While answering questions from reporters after reviewing some ongoing projects on Friday, Wike questioned the university’s decision to secure over 10,000 hectares of land when the majority of it is not being utilized.

“This tour has also opened our eyes as to the kind of land that the University of Abuja has acquired. It’s not acceptable. You can’t deny development. I don’t know where a university will go and take over 10,000 hectares of land; for what purpose?” the minister remarked.

He noted that other higher institutions with less land had more advanced infrastructure. According to him, a university’s value lies in the quality of its amenities and buildings, not merely in the amount of land it possesses.

“What makes a university is not the large expanse of land. What makes a university is the infrastructure quality. It’s not about land. You can have 20,000 hectares of land, but if the university does not have any infrastructure, what does it help?” he added.

Wike also issued a warning that the FCT Administration would no longer tolerate institutions or agencies hoarding land without putting it to use.

He stressed that lands that remain undeveloped would be reclaimed and reassigned to individuals or entities willing to build on them.

“We must stop this idea of just acquiring land for acquiring’s sake. That is not the essence of it. If they give you land, you develop it. If you don’t develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who want to develop. That is our position,” Wike declared.

He didn’t spare the Nigerian Police either, criticizing them for similarly failing to use their allocated land in the same vicinity.

Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that the ongoing road construction project would help attract more development in the surrounding area.

As part of his inspection tour, Wike visited the road leading to the EFCC Academy in Giri, located within the Gwagwalada Area Council, and the 15-kilometre stretch of the Outer Southern Expressway that extends to Wassa.

This road construction is being handled by China Geo-engineering Corporation, and Wike voiced satisfaction with both the pace and quality of the work.

“We are very happy with what we have seen and the quality of jobs that are being carried out. We believe, to the glory of God, that Mr. President will also be happy when he comes to inaugurate these projects,” he commented.

Wike gave his assurance that the FCT Administration was dedicated to completing all its projects as scheduled, especially ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

“This administration of Mr. President does not believe in abandoned projects. Any contract given must be completed for people to use,” he concluded, noting that contractors would continue receiving full support from the government.