The University of Abuja Alumni Association has strongly opposed the proposed revocation of a substantial portion of land allocated to the institution, calling on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to rescind the decision and embrace a more constructive and transparent engagement process.
In a letter to the minister on Tuesday, the alumni association expressed deep concern over the move to reduce the university’s land allocation from over 11,000 hectares to 4,000 hectares, describing it as “unlawful” and “arbitrary.”
The FCT Administration, under the directive of Minister Wike, cited unauthorised land acquisition and lack of proper documentation as the basis for the proposed reduction.
The minister, while justifying the decision, accused the university of “fencing off large swathes of land” without approval and emphasised the strategic significance of the Giri District, which hosts key national institutions, including the University of Abuja and the EFCC Academy.
However, the alumni association, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Habeeb Abdulkadir, and General Secretary, Abdullahi Dangana, clarified that the land in question was lawfully allocated to the university in 1988 by the then military government led by President Ibrahim Babangida.
They maintained that the allocation was part of a long-term vision to establish a comprehensive academic and research institution in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The land is not just a physical asset but a national educational treasure,” the association said, noting that it was originally designated to accommodate future expansion, research hubs, and an expanding student and staff population.
According to the letter, the master plan for the land includes infrastructure for both conventional and distance learning programmes, as well as designated zones for agricultural, scientific, and environmental research, alongside recreational and community services.
“The proposed revocation of two-thirds of this portion at this time profoundly undermines the strategic future of the university, especially as it strives to expand its research capacity, accommodate increasing enrolment, and fulfil its dual-mode mandate,” the association warned.
The alumni insisted that the land is protected under valid legal instruments and the Land Use Act, stressing that any revocation without due process and compensation would violate established land tenure laws and natural justice.
“Any attempt to reduce this allocation without due process, adequate compensation, and demonstrable overriding public interest would be a clear breach of land use regulations and a setback for national development,” the letter added.
While acknowledging the minister’s effort to sanitise land administration in the FCT, the association urged him not to lump the university’s case with general instances of land misuse.
They also offered to collaborate with the FCT administration to monitor and manage the land effectively, ensuring it is used strictly for educational and research purposes.
“The land represents more than space—it stands for hope, unity, and national development for current and future generations,” the association concluded, warning that they would not hesitate to embark on mass protest and legal action if the revocation proceeds.
