The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed grave concern over the state of the largely undeveloped land allocated to the University of Abuja, which measures over 10,000 hectares in size.
Wike said that the continued non-development of the land by the university was unacceptable.
The minister addressed journalists following an inspection of the access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Academy in Giri District.
Wike said that what was of utmost importance was to develop lands and not to grab them.
He said, “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?
“We’ve been to universities; we have gone round to schools. Grabbing of land is not the whole thing. What is important is its development.”;.
Wike rubbished the idea of acquiring land for future purposes, saying it is not a valid justification for such a large expanse of land.
He said, “Before you know it, they will begin to lease it out to people. It doesn’t make sense.
“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?”;
Wike said that land should be developed, and if not, it will be reallocated to those who intend to develop it.
He said, “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 also noted the non-development of land allocated to the Nigeria Police in the same area.
