University of Abuja VC Defends Land Ownership, Counters Wike’s Grabbing Allegation
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Lar Patricia Manko, has pushed back against land grabbing allegations made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asserting that the 11,000 hectares in question were lawfully allocated to the institution by the federal government.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Prof. Manko described the land as a “legacy asset” crucial to the university’s long-term vision, including projects in agriculture, tourism, research, staff housing, and student accommodation.
She emphasized that the university’s plans are comprehensive and ongoing, with several development agreements already signed with private partners to overcome funding limitations.
“The land is not excessive,” Manko said. “It serves a variety of strategic needs, and our development plans are aligned with the national interest.”
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the Minister’s authority over FCT lands but stressed that the university is working through official channels to clarify its rightful claim to the land.
The controversy was triggered during the inauguration of an access road to the Giri District on June 30, where Minister Wike accused the university of fencing off vast tracts of land without documentation and allegedly planning to sell portions of it.
“They were going to sell our land,” Wike alleged. “I’ve directed the Lands Department to reclaim 4,000 hectares and give that to the university. We’ll handle the road construction, but we won’t tolerate indiscriminate land grabbing.”
Prof. Manko refuted the minister’s claims, explaining that the land was allocated during earlier administrations and forms part of the university’s permanent site. She disclosed that the current staff quarters are located on military-allocated land, but permanent structures are planned on the university’s officially recognized property.
“Numerous investors are already collaborating with us to develop the site responsibly,” she added, underscoring the institution’s commitment to transparency and lawful development.
