Wike Rejects ASUU Strike Threat Over University Land Reallocation

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has dismissed a threat from the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to go on strike. This threat was made in response to the government’s decision to reallocate parts of the university’s land to private developers and government agencies.

During a media chat on Thursday, Wike stated that ASUU does not have the authority to decide on land ownership or allocation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He emphasized that these matters are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

Wike questioned the union’s involvement in the land dispute, asking, “What is the business of ASUU on our land?” He argued that the government has a duty to ensure that land is used properly and that the FCT’s master plan is followed.

The minister defended the decision to reallocate university land as part of efforts to promote urban development. He also rejected the union’s threat to take legal action against the government, stating that the FCTA is ready to defend its decisions in court.

This conflict arose after Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, the Chairman of ASUU at the University of Abuja, warned that the union could not guarantee peace on campus if the land allocations were not reversed. He noted that the university was originally given over 11,000 hectares of land, which is crucial for its growth and development.

Despite the union’s concerns about protecting the university’s land from encroachment, Wike reiterated that land administration in the FCT is the responsibility of the FCTA, and the government will continue to manage land allocations according to its duties.