Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) is in a heated dispute with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a massive land claim. Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lar Patricia Manko, is standing firm, declaring the 11,000 hectares in question are a legitimate “legacy asset” granted by the Federal Government.
Wike, known for his no-nonsense approach, accused the university of “grabbing” the land without proper documentation. He even threatened to carve out 4,000 hectares for the university and take the rest for other purposes.
But Prof. Manko, while acknowledging Wike’s authority as “FCT landlord,” insists the university needs every inch of the land. She outlined ambitious plans for the property, including agriculture, tourism, research centers, staff quarters, and student hostels. She also mentioned several Memorandums of Understanding for development, citing a lack of funds as the reason for external partnerships.
The Acting VC emphasized that the current staff quarters are temporary, built on military-granted plots, with plans for permanent structures on the disputed land. She stressed that multiple investors are already partnering with the institution to develop projects on the 11,000 hectares, signaling a strong resolve to retain the entire parcel.
