FCT Minister Wike Rejects ASUU’s Land Ownership Claims Amid Strike Threat

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed a strike threat from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Abuja. This threat arose after the government reallocated parts of the university’s land to private developers and government agencies.

During a recent media chat, Wike questioned ASUU’s authority to comment on land allocation issues. He stated that trade unions do not have the power to influence land administration in the capital. He rejected ASUU’s claims of land grabbing, arguing that land ownership and planning are strictly under the FCT Administration’s control.

Wike challenged the idea that ASUU has any stake in the land, asking, “What is the business of ASUU on our land?” He pointed out that it is impractical for a single university to hold onto large amounts of undeveloped land while hindering urban development.

In response to ASUU’s announcement that it might strike and take legal action against the FCT’s decisions, Wike stated that the government is prepared to defend its actions. He criticized the union for using threats as a bargaining tool and urged them to follow proper public service procedures.

Wike emphasized that the government will continue to recover unused land, insisting that federal institutions cannot claim vast areas without proper documentation and approval. The dispute follows comments from ASUU UniAbuja Chairman, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, who warned that the union could not guarantee peace on campus if the land allocations were not reversed.

ASUU has argued that the land, originally allocated for the university’s expansion and research, is essential for its future development. However, Wike reiterated that all land allocations in the FCT are under his office’s oversight and will not be influenced by threats.