ASUU threatens strike over FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's allocation of University of Abuja land

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at the University of Abuja announced on Tuesday that it may resort to industrial action if Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike does not reverse a disputed allocation of university land. The warning was delivered by Prof. Sylvanus Ugoh, the ASUU‑UniAbuja chairperson, during a press conference held on the university campus.

Prof. According to Ugoh, the union can no longer ensure peace on the campus unless the minister rescinds the distribution, which the group characterizes as illegal and a violation of a judicial order. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and call the minister to order, arguing that such action would restore peace and harmony at the university.

Background

The University of Abuja was established on 1 January 1988 with an initial land grant of 11 824 hectares from the Federal Government, intended to support long‑term academic expansion, research institutes, innovation centres and both conventional and distance‑learning programmes. According to Prof. Ugoh, the land remains federal property and is not under the jurisdiction of the FCT administration.

During the opening ceremony for a new route leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Institute in Giri on 30 June 2025, Minister Nyesom Wike declared that 7,000 hectares would be taken back from the university’s initial land grant. The minister accused the university of “land grabbing” and of fencing portions of the estate without proper approval.

Justice F.E. Mesiri of the Maitama High Court granted interlocutory injunctions on 18 August 2025, restraining the minister from entering or encroaching on university land. The union calls the minister’s 26 September 2025 decision to assign the disputed land to private firms and people a complete violation and total neglect of legal principles, despite the existing court directive.

Why it matters

The dispute directly affects the university’s capacity to expand its facilities and fulfil its dual‑mode educational mandate. Prof. Ugoh highlighted that the large landmass is essential for future research activities, academic infrastructure and the establishment of innovation hubs. The union’s threat of industrial action could disrupt teaching, examinations and research activities, impacting thousands of students and staff.

The matter also raises broader concerns about the separation of powers and respect for judicial orders in Nigeria. By allegedly ignoring the High Court injunction, the minister’s actions have prompted criticism from academic bodies and have drawn the attention of the federal executive, with the union urging President Tinubu to intervene.

What happens next

The ASUU‑UniAbuja branch has called on President Bola Tinubu to summon Minister Wike for clarification and to demand the reversal of the land allocation. No specific timeline for industrial action has been announced, but the union indicated that continued non‑compliance would force it to reconsider its stance on industrial harmony.

The court injunction remains in force, and any further encroachment could lead to additional legal challenges. Stakeholders, including university administrators and the FCT Ministry, are expected to engage in dialogue, though the union’s statements suggest that a resolution may depend on presidential mediation.

The situation remains fluid, and further developments will likely be reported as negotiations progress or if the union proceeds with industrial action.