The Federal Government has stepped in to mediate a land dispute between the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) and the Niger State Government, convening a high level meeting at the Abuja office of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
The meeting, which began around 5:30 p.m., brought together the Vice Chancellor of FUT Minna, Faruk Adamu Kuta; Principal Officers of the institution; Staff Union Representatives; Alumni Association Members; and Officials from the Niger State Government.
At the centre of the dispute is the University's Bosso campus. The Vice Chancellor screened a nine minute documentary filmed earlier that day to counter claims that the campus had been abandoned for roughly 15 years, arguing it has continued to serve academic and administrative purposes.
Kuta also presented payment vouchers and receipts showing that the University paid ₦2.8 million in two instalments to purchase the former Government Teachers College in Minna, the institution's take off site since its establishment in 1983. Niger State officials, however, were unable to provide documentation supporting their claim that the land was leased to the University for 40 years.
Governor Umaru Bago, who attended the meeting, warned that the University's Certificate of Occupancy had expired and that the state could revoke the land title. Discussions eventually shifted toward a potential facility sharing arrangement to support medical students from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL) who require clinical training infrastructure.
The Vice Chancellor noted that any such agreement would require approval from the University's governing structures. The minister directed the FUT Minna Governing Council to formally engage the State government on the matter, stressing that any agreement must be legally and administratively documented.
The alumni association expressed support for the University's management following the meeting, noting that further consultations among all parties are expected.
