The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the strike threat issued by the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the reallocation of portions of the institution’s land to private developers and government agencies.
Speaking during his monthly media chat on Thursday, Wike questioned the union’s involvement in land ownership and allocation matters, insisting that land administration in the FCT falls under the authority of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The minister said: “What is the business of ASUU on land? How do you prove ownership of land? What is the function of ASUU, what is their role? How does land affect their welfare and the improvement of the university? They can go on strike today if they want.”
The dispute followed allegations by ASUU’s University of Abuja chapter that the FCTA was unlawfully reallocating portions of the 11,824 hectares originally allocated to the university in the Giri District.
The union’s chairman, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, warned that the union could no longer guarantee industrial harmony on campus if the disputed allocations were not reversed.
ASUU maintained that the land is essential for the university’s future expansion, agricultural research and infrastructure development. The union has also threatened legal action over the matter.
However, Wike insists that the FCTA has the statutory responsibility to regulate land use and enforce the Abuja Master Plan, adding that the government is prepared to defend its decisions in court.
The disagreement has raised fresh concerns about university autonomy, public land administration and the future development of the University of Abuja.
