UNIABUJA Alumni Condemn Land Revocation by FCT Minister Wike, Threaten Legal Action and Mass Protest
The University of Abuja Alumni Association has strongly opposed the proposed revocation of a large portion of the university’s land by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The alumni, in a formal letter signed by the association’s President, Habeeb Abdulkadir, and General Secretary, Abdullahi Dangana, warned that the minister’s action could trigger legal action, peaceful protests, and petitions to both national and international authorities.
According to the alumni, the move to reduce the university’s allocated land from over 11,000 hectares to just 4,000 hectares is not only arbitrary but also illegal.
They argue that the land, originally granted in 1988 by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, was intended to support the long-term expansion of the university’s infrastructure, including facilities for distance learning, research centers, agriculture, and community services.
Describing the land as a “national educational treasure,” the association emphasised its significance for accommodating the university’s growing student population and fulfilling its dual-mode academic mandate.
They warned that the proposed revocation undermines the institution’s strategic future and violates the Land Use Act, which guarantees legal tenure and requires due process and compensation for any government reclamation.
The alumni also stressed the cultural and national importance of the university, labelling it a symbol of unity and progress.
While acknowledging Minister Wike’s efforts to sanitise Abuja’s land administration, they cautioned against grouping the university with cases of land abuse. The group expressed willingness to work with the FCT administration to ensure transparent and purposeful land use.
However, they issued a stern warning: failure to reconsider the revocation would result in escalated action, including protests and legal challenges. “We remain open to dialogue but are fully prepared to escalate this matter if treated with contempt,” the letter concluded.
