Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed serious concerns about the large expanse of undeveloped land acquired by the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now known as Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.
Speaking after inspecting various construction projects, including a vital 15km road leading to Wassa in AMAC and access roads to the EFCC Academy in Karu, Wike emphasised the need for action on the university’s land use.
He described the state of the acquired land as “unacceptable,” questioning, “where a university will go and take over 1,000 hectares of land for what purpose?”
“We have been to universities, we have gone around to schools; just the grabbing of land is not the whole thing. It is just for development purposes,” he said.
The minister noted the potential for increased development along the newly constructed roads, adding, “Because of this road now, what will happen? We may see that it attracts people to come and develop their properties. So we are happy with what we are seeing.”
Wike while responding to questions regarding the university’s intentions for the land for future purposes, the FCT Minister said, “What future? Before you know it, they will begin to lease it out to people. It does not make sense.
“What makes a university is not the large expanse of land. What makes a university is the infrastructure and the quality.”
He further criticised the notion of land acquisition without development, stating, “You can have 20,000 hectares of land and the university does not have any infrastructure. So what does it help? We must stop this idea of just acquiring land for acquiring sake. That is not the essence of it.
“If they give you land and you develop it, fine. If you do not develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who want to develop. So that is our position.”
Wike also indicated that he would engage with the FCT director of Lands to address the lack of development on the land acquired by the university, inviting both the university representatives and Police to account for the situation.
Speaking on the ongoing construction projects, he conveyed his satisfaction with the progress of work done, stating, “We believe to the glory of God, that Mr. President will also be happy when he comes to inaugurate these projects. It is part of what we want to see, that promises made, promises fulfilled or kept.”
He emphasised the administration’s commitment to ensuring project completion, asserting that, “It is not good to just award contracts and then abandon them. This administration, Mr. President does not believe in that. Any contract given must be completed for people to use.”
Wike commended the contractors for their quality work, reiterating, “We will continue to partner with them for the development of Abuja.”
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