Lecturers and students at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, protested on Monday over an alleged attempt by the Niger State Government to seize the institution's Bosso Campus in Minna.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) led the protest, which came after the state government allegedly revoked the university's land rights and began allocating parts of the campus for new projects.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Prof. Luqman 'Kunle Oyewobi, Chairperson of ASUU's FUT Minna branch, stated that the action lacked transparency and due process.
"The Bosso Campus isn't unused land. It houses critical academic and administrative infrastructure that facilitates teaching, research, student housing, and other essential services."
"Any disruption in its ownership or operational control will have a direct impact on thousands of students, academic staff, non-teaching staff, and their families," he stated.
Oyewobi insisted that the campus is still a federal asset, acquired in 1983 after proper consultation and payment to the state government.
"The university's land and infrastructure are federally owned assets held in trust for national educational development. Any attempt by a state authority to appropriate, annex, or take control of such property without due constitutional and legal process is a serious violation of federal laws and institutional autonomy," he stated.
He denied that the Bosso Campus was temporarily leased to the university, describing the claim as historically inaccurate.
He referenced a National Universities Commission (NUC) letter from 2014 that said state-provided facilities for federal universities would not be returned to the states.
In order to reaffirm federal ownership of the campus, ASUU urged the federal government, the National Assembly, and the NUC to act immediately.
In a separate statement, Mfon Joseph Jonah, the vice president of the Students' Union Government (SUG), stated that many students living in the Bosso Campus dorms are already terrified by the development and urged prompt action to avoid interfering with academic activities.
