Prof. Lar Patricia Manko, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), has dismissed allegations of land grabbing made by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, insisting that the university’s landholding is legitimate and federally sanctioned.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Manko addressed the controversy surrounding the university’s possession of 11,000 hectares of land, stating:
“The 11,000 hectares of land is a legacy asset given to the institution by the Federal Government.”
Her remarks come in response to accusations from Minister Wike, who reportedly expressed concerns over what he described as excessive land acquisition by the institution within the capital territory.
Acknowledging the authority of the FCT administration, Manko said:
“We recognise His Excellency Nyesom Wike as the FCT landlord,”
but maintained that the university’s land allocation was not only lawful but essential for its long-term goals.
“University land can never be too much,” she said.
“The institution has plethora of use for the property.”
She stressed that the land would support the university’s expansion, research, and infrastructure development in line with its national educational mandate.
