Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticized the University of Abuja for failing to develop a significant portion of its allocated land, threatening to reallocate the unused territory.
During a visit to the road leading to the EFCC Academy in Giri, situated on the university’s land, Wike expressed his disappointment to reporters.
According to a statement released by his media aide, Anthony Ogunleye, Wike questioned the university’s rationale for acquiring over 10,000 hectares of land without utilizing the majority of it.
“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 statement quoted Wike as saying.
The minister emphasized that the quality of a university is determined by its infrastructure, not the size of its land holdings. “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 warned that the FCT Administration will no longer tolerate the practice of acquiring land and leaving it undeveloped. He stated that any land not being utilized will be reclaimed and reassigned to those ready to develop it.
“We must stop this idea of just acquiring land for acquiring 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,” the minister asserted.
He also criticized the Nigerian Police for similar inaction regarding their allocated land in the same area. Wike expressed optimism that the ongoing road project would stimulate further development in the region.
During his inspection, Wike also assessed the progress of the 15-kilometer Outer Southern Expressway leading to Wassa, being constructed by China Geo-engineering Corporation. He expressed satisfaction with the project’s pace and quality.
“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,” Wike stated.
He assured that the FCT Administration is committed to completing all projects promptly, particularly before 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 affirmed, promising continued government support for contractors.
Wike Threatens UniAbuja with Land Reallocation Over Undeveloped Property
