The proposed revocation of a major piece of the property allotted to the University of Abuja has been formally protested by the Alumni Association, which is pleading with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to reverse the decision and implement a more positive engagement process.
The organization expressed “grave concern” in a strongly worded letter to the FCT minister about the recent reduction of the university’s land allocation from nearly 11,000 hectares to 4,000 hectares, calling the move “unlawful and arbitrary.”
Habeeb Abdulkadir, the president, and Abdullahi Dangana, the general secretary, both signed the letter.
The alumni claim that the land in question was initially given to the university in 1988 as part of a larger plan to create a comprehensive academic and research institution in the nation’s capital by the military government then led by President Ibrahim Babangida.
The alumni group claims that the site is a “national educational treasure” that will support future growth, research centers, and an expanding student body in addition to being a physical asset.
It clarified that the site was intended to house a primary campus with substantial facilities for traditional and remote learning, as well as areas for scientific, environmental, and agricultural research, as well as recreational and community services.
“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 read.
The alumni association insists that the land is covered by valid legal instruments and protected under the Land Use Act, adding that any revocation without due process and compensation would amount to a violation of 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.
Beyond legal concerns, the letter highlights the sociocultural significance of the institution, describing the university as a melting pot of Nigeria’s diverse ethnicities and a critical pillar for nation-building.
“The land is not a mere territory. It represents hope, unity, and development for past and future generations,” the letter said.
The alumni commended the FCT minister for his efforts to clean up Abuja’s land administration, but they cautioned him against tying the university’s allocation to instances of land abuse.
They agreed to work with his office to keep an eye on land development and guarantee openness.
The group did, however, issue a warning that if the minister does not answer their appeal, they will launch a series of steps, including petitions to the president and international organizations, open letters, nonviolent demonstrations, and legal actions.
The letter stated, “If treated with contempt, we are fully prepared to escalate this matter, but we remain open to dialogue.”
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