The Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Lar Patricia Manko, has defended the university’s claim to the 11,000 hectares of land in Gwagwalada, following allegations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the land was acquired illegally.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Manko stated that the land in question is a legacy allocation granted to the institution by the Federal Government, and described it as essential to the university’s long-term development plans.
This comes weeks after Wike, during the commissioning of a road in Giri District on June 30, accused the university of land grabbing, claiming that no valid documents backed the university’s claim. The Minister directed FCT officials to reclaim a portion of the land.
“No document, nothing. That is all you see there—fencing everywhere. Moreover, before you know it, they were going to sell our land,” Wike had said. “I have told the Director of Lands and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.”
In response, Manko said, “The land was duly allocated to the university by the Federal Government. The matter is being addressed through the appropriate channels.” She explained that the university has plans to utilise the land for agriculture, tourism, research centres, student hostels, and permanent staff quarters. She added that financial constraints have delayed some of the projects, prompting the institution to sign Memoranda of Understanding with development partners.
The acting VC also noted that the current staff quarters were temporarily sited on land provided by the military, with a long-term plan to relocate to the university’s permanent site. Manko said the university is currently working with investors to develop key facilities on the land and called for continued support to realise the institution’s vision.
