FUT Minna Campus Takeover: Students and Lecturers Protest

Lecturers and students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, on Monday staged a protest against an alleged move by the Niger State Government to take over the institution’s Bosso Campus in Minna, Nigeria.

The protest, spearheaded by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was prompted by claims that the state government had revoked the university’s rights over the land and commenced allocating portions of the campus for new projects. This action has sparked considerable concern within the academic community.

Concerns Over Due Process and Transparency

Addressing journalists during the demonstration, Professor Luqman ‘Kunle Oyewobi, Chairperson of the ASUU, FUT Minna branch, criticised the state government's actions, stating they lacked transparency and adherence to due process.

He emphasised the critical role of the Bosso Campus, highlighting that it is "not idle land." Professor Oyewobi noted: “It houses critical academic and administrative infrastructure that supports teaching, research, student accommodation, and essential services. Any disruption to its ownership or operational control will directly affect thousands of students, academic staff, non-teaching staff, and their families.”

Federal Asset Status Asserted

Professor Oyewobi firmly insisted that the campus remains a federal asset, originally acquired in 1983 after comprehensive consultation and payment to the state government. He further elaborated on the legal standing of the institution's property.

“The land and infrastructure of the University are federal assets held in trust for national educational development. Any attempt by a state authority to appropriate, annex, or assume control over such property without due constitutional and legal process constitutes a grave violation of federal laws and institutional autonomy,” he stated.

He dismissed any suggestions that the Bosso Campus was merely leased temporarily to the university, describing such assertions as historically inaccurate. To bolster his argument, he cited a 2014 communication from the National Universities Commission (NUC) which explicitly stated that facilities provided by state governments for federal universities would not revert to the states.

Call for Urgent Intervention

ASUU has urgently called upon the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and the NUC to intervene swiftly and decisively. Their objective is to reaffirm federal ownership of the campus and prevent any further encroachment.

Separately, Mfon Joseph Jonah, the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), voiced the fears of many students residing in hostels at the Bosso Campus. He appealed for immediate action to prevent any disruption of academic activities, stressing the impact on thousands of students.

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