The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has raised serious concerns over the underutilisation of a vast portion of land allocated to the University of Abuja, describing the continued lack of development as unacceptable.
Wike, who spoke to journalists on Friday during an inspection tour of the access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy in Giri District—located within the university’s land—questioned the rationale behind the acquisition of more than 10,000 hectares without commensurate development.
“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?”; Wike said in a statement by the director press, office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye.
He noted that many universities across the country operate with much smaller land sizes but achieve greater impact through solid infrastructure. According to him, the emphasis should be on infrastructure, not land mass.
“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?”; the minister added.
He warned that the FCT Administration would not condone the habit of land hoarding, stating that undeveloped land would be reclaimed and reallocated.
“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, government will take it back and give it to those who want to develop. That is our position,”; Wike declared.
He also commented on the non-development of land allocated to the Nigeria Police in the same vicinity, expressing hope that the ongoing road infrastructure will stimulate development among landowners in the area.
While inspecting other infrastructure projects, including the 15-kilometre Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) leading to Wassa—being handled by China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC)—the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
“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 said.
He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to timely project delivery as part of preparations for the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This administration of Mr. President does not believe in abandoned projects. Any contract given must be completed for people to use,”; Wike added, assuring contractors of continued government support.
