The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the University of Abuja for failing to develop a large portion of land allocated to the institution, warning that the government may reallocate the land if the university does not act promptly.
Wike issued the warning during a visit to the university on Thursday, April 4, 2025. He expressed disappointment over what he described as the underutilization of the vast land allocated to the university decades ago. According to the minister, the failure to put the land to productive use is unacceptable, especially given the high demand for land within the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister pointed out that while many government institutions and private investors are in dire need of land for development, several hectares belonging to the University of Abuja have remained untouched for years. He noted that the original purpose of the land allocation was to allow the institution to expand and develop critical infrastructure, a vision which, according to him, has not been realized.
Wike warned that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would no longer tolerate the hoarding of land by public institutions without tangible plans for development. He said that if the university continues to neglect the land, the government would have no option but to revoke the allocation and reassign it to entities willing to use it effectively.
The minister emphasized the importance of responsible land management, especially in a growing city like Abuja where land resources are limited and development needs are increasing. He added that public institutions must lead by example in maximizing land use to support national growth and development.
Wike questioned the university’s leadership on its development plans and why such a large portion of land had been left unused for so long. He urged the management of the University of Abuja to present a comprehensive proposal outlining how the institution intends to develop the land, including timelines and funding strategies.
In response, officials of the University of Abuja assured the minister that plans are underway to develop the land, citing challenges related to funding and administrative delays. They also promised to submit a detailed development plan to the FCTA as soon as possible to avoid the risk of revocation.
However, Wike remained firm in his position, stating that only visible progress and a realistic commitment to development would prevent the reallocation. He added that the FCTA is currently reviewing land allocations across the territory and any institution or organization found to be hoarding land without development would be held accountable.
The minister’s remarks come as part of a broader effort by the FCT administration to reclaim underutilized government lands and redirect them toward projects that align with the capital’s infrastructural and economic development goals. This initiative aims to ensure that every piece of land within the FCT contributes meaningfully to the city’s growth.
Wike’s tough stance on land management has previously led to revocation notices issued to private developers and public agencies alike. He has consistently maintained that land in Abuja must not be treated as speculative property but as a national asset meant to serve developmental purposes.
The University of Abuja, which occupies a substantial portion of land in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT, was originally envisioned as a premier institution with room for large-scale academic, residential, and research facilities. However, critics have long argued that the potential of the land remains largely untapped.
As the FCT administration intensifies efforts to sanitize land use and improve infrastructure, institutions like the University of Abuja may come under increasing pressure to deliver tangible development or risk losing their allocations.
