The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Manko, has refuted claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the university unlawfully acquired 11,000 hectares of land. Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abuja, Manko explained that the land in question is a heritage property legally allocated to the institution by the Federal Government.
While recognising Wike’s authority as the FCT’s chief administrator, the VC stressed that universities require extensive land to cater to their academic and developmental needs. She emphasized that UniAbuja has multiple plans for the large expanse of land, including projects in agriculture, tourism, staff accommodation, student hostels, and research centres.
It will be recalled that during the commissioning of the Giri District access road on June 30, Wike accused the University of Abuja of illegally acquiring the 11,000 hectares without proper documentation. “No papers, nothing. All you see is fencing everywhere. Before long, they would have sold off the land,” the minister had claimed.
Wike further directed the Director of Lands and relevant FCT agencies to reclaim part of the land, stating, “I have instructed them to cut out 4,000 hectares and allocate that portion to the university. They will safeguard it, especially since we’re providing infrastructure like roads in the area. We won’t tolerate this kind of land grab.”
However, Prof. Manko maintained that the allocation of the 11,000 hectares to UniAbuja was done through proper government channels. She added that any misunderstanding around the land is currently being addressed by relevant authorities.
The VC revealed that due to funding challenges, the institution has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with development partners to actualize its plans for the land. According to her, the current staff quarters sit on temporary plots allocated by the military, but the university intends to develop permanent structures at its main campus.
Prof. Manko also disclosed that a number of investors are already collaborating with the university to implement various development projects across the vast land.
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