Wike Blasts ASUU Over Threat To Shut Down UniAbuja, Questions Union’s Authority On Land

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its threat to shut down the institution following a dispute concerning the allocation of university land.

Speaking during a media parley on Thursday, Wike questioned the union’s authority to challenge land allocation decisions in Abuja, insisting that land administration falls under the responsibility of the FCT Administration and not trade unions.

The minister expressed surprise at ASUU’s involvement in the matter, questioning whether the union had any legal authority over land administration in the Federal Capital Territory.

“What is the business of ASUU on our land? How is ASUU the owner of land? Is ASUU the owner of the union in Nigeria now? Is it the union’s right?” Wike asked.

He also rejected allegations that the FCTA was forcefully taking over land, explaining that the administration was implementing the Abuja Master Plan and recovering plots that had allegedly remained undeveloped without the necessary documentation and approvals.

Wike described ASUU’s threat to embark on industrial action as an attempt to blackmail the FCT Administration, maintaining that the government would not be intimidated into reversing its decisions.

He further stated that the administration was prepared to defend its land allocation decisions in court should the union choose to pursue legal action.

The disagreement began on Tuesday when the chairman of ASUU at the University of Abuja, Professor Sylvanus Ugoh, accused Wike of allocating portions of the institution’s land in the Giri District to private individuals and companies despite an existing court order.

According to the union, Justice F.E. Mesiri of the Maitama High Court issued an interlocutory injunction on August 18, 2026, restraining the minister from entering or interfering with the disputed property.

ASUU further alleged that despite the court order, portions of the university’s land were allocated to private interests on September 26, 2026.

The union maintained that the university was granted approximately 11,824 hectares of land when it was established in 1988, stressing that the property is essential for its future development and expansion.

It explained that the land would be required for additional student accommodation, research centres, innovation hubs and other academic facilities.

The dispute has heightened tensions between the FCT Administration and the university’s academic union, with both sides maintaining opposing positions on the controversial land allocations.