Lecturers and students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna have protested what they termed, an alleged move by the Niger State Government to take over the institution’s Bosso Campus in Minna.
The protest, led by the Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Oyekunle Oyewobi, followed claims that the state government revoked the university’s right over the land and began allocating parts of the campus for a new project, an action he said lacked transparency and due process.
According to him, the Bosso Campus is not idle land as it houses critical academic and administrative infrastructure that supports teaching, research, students accommodation, and essential services.
Oyewobi added that any disruption to its ownership or operational control will directly affect thousands of students, academic staff, non-teaching staff, and their families.
The ASUU boss insisted that the campus remains a federal asset acquired in 1983 after due consultation and payment to the state government adding that 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 dismissed claims that the Bosso Campus was leased temporarily to the university, describing the assertion as historically inaccurate.
He cited a 2014 communication from the National Universities Commission (NUC) which stated that facilities provided by state governments for federal universities would not revert to the states.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Mfon Jonah, said many students residing in hostels at the Bosso Campus are already living in fear over the development and appealed for immediate action to prevent disruption of academic activities.
ASUU therefore called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the NUC to urgently intervene and reaffirm federal ownership of the campus.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
