Wike dismisses UniAbuja ASUU strike threat over land allocation

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected the Academic Staff Union of Universities' (ASUU) threat to conduct a strike over land reallocation at the University of Abuja. Wike stated that ASUU lacks jurisdiction to determine land ownership or allocation within the FCT, asserting that such matters fall under the purview of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

During his weekly media briefing, Wike questioned ASUU's authority and challenged its claims of land grabbing. He also criticized the university for retaining vast tracts of land without adequate development, emphasizing the government's duty to ensure proper land use and adherence to the FCT master plan.

Wike maintained that the government's decision to reallocate portions of the university's land is part of its commitment to urban planning regulations and development. He emphasized that the administration is prepared to defend its actions should legal proceedings be initiated. The dispute arose following a recent ASUU press conference, during which the chair, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, warned that the union would no longer guarantee industrial harmony on campus if the minister failed to reverse the land allocations.

Ugoh highlighted the importance of the 11,824-hectare Guri District land for the university's expansion, agricultural research, and infrastructure development. ASUU expressed concerns over the allocation of land to private developers and government agencies, asserting that the university's land should be safeguarded from encroachment.

However, Wike reiterated that land administration within the FCT remains the responsibility of the FCTA, and the government will continue to make decisions on land recovery and allocation in line with its statutory duties.