I did not revoke UniAbuja land -Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he was not responsible for the decision to revoke a portion of the land belonging to the Yakubu Gowon University (formerly known as the University of Abuja). Wike made this clarification while delivering a lecture as the guest of honor and guest […]

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he was not responsible for the decision to revoke a portion of the land belonging to the Yakubu Gowon University (formerly known as the University of Abuja).

Wike made this clarification while delivering a lecture as the guest of honor and guest speaker at the institution’s 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series on its main campus on Tuesday.

He revealed that the decision to revoke a part of the expansive land had been finalized before he assumed office in 2023.

“I was not the one who revoked the university land. I came in and met the revocation on the table. I only implemented what I saw. The decision was made, but there was no courage to implement it; I only provided that implementation,” he explained.

The Minister argued that even Harvard University, established in the 17th century, does not possess as much land as the University of Abuja. He noted that Harvard operates on a total landmass of approximately 238.5 hectares.

Speaking on the theme, “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance,” Wike stated that effective leaders must possess the courage to make bold decisions that may be painful in the short term but beneficial in the long run.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with a disclosure from the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, that the institution has entered into partnerships with both local and foreign developers. 

In response, Wike requested a formal list of the university’s immediate infrastructure needs for consideration.