Nyesom Wike Rejects ASUU Strike Threat Over University Land
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed threats of industrial action by ASUU after he reallocated University of Abuja land to private developers and government agencies.
The University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened industrial action following a decision by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to reallocate university land to private companies, individuals, and government agencies. The dispute centers on the Giri District, where the FCT Administration reduced the university's land holding from approximately 11,000 hectares to 4,000 hectares, claiming the institution lacked documentation for the full amount.
ASUU Chairperson Sylvanus Ugoh accused Wike of violating a Maitama High Court order to maintain the status quo and distributing land to "friends and cronies." The union argues the land is critical for agricultural research, infrastructure, and future expansion. University Pro-Chancellor Olanrewaju Tejuoso countered the minister's claims, asserting the school holds valid documents and noting that much of the remaining 4,000 hectares consists of rocky hills.
Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed the strike threats, arguing that the union lacks statutory authority over land ownership and that the university failed to utilize the area. Wike stated the administration will not be pressured into reversing its policies and expressed readiness to defend the land-use decisions in court. ASUU has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene to prevent campus unrest.
