UNIABUJA VC Professor Patricia Lar Manko
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), Prof. Lar Patricia Manko, has firmly rejected allegations of land grabbing leveled against the institution by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Manko defended the university’s ownership of 11,000 hectares of land, describing it as a legitimate legacy asset allocated by the Federal Government.
In an interview with journalists in Abuja, Manko stated, “The 11,000 hectares of land is a legacy asset given to the institution by the Federal Government. University land can never be too much, and we have a plethora of uses for the property.”
Acknowledging Wike’s authority as the FCT’s overseer, she added, “We recognize the minister as the FCT landlord, but the controversy surrounding the land is already being addressed.”
I would be recalled that Wike, during the inauguration of an access road to Giri district on June 30, 2025, accused the university of illegally claiming the vast tract of land.
“No document, nothing. That’s all you see there, fencing everywhere. And before you know it, they were going to sell our land,” Wike alleged.
He further disclosed plans to reallocate 4,000 hectares to the university, stating, “I’ve told the Director of Lands and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university. They are the ones who are going to protect it because we are going to provide the roads here. We cannot allow it at all.”
Countering Wike’s claims, Manko emphasized that the land was lawfully allocated and outlined the university’s plans for its development.
“The university has plans for the use of this expanse of land, ranging from agriculture, tourism, research centers, staff quarters, and student hostels, among others,” she explained.
She noted that due to funding constraints, the institution has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with investors to support these projects.
Manko also clarified that the university’s current staff quarters are temporary, built on land provided by the military.
“There are plans to construct permanent structures at the institution’s permanent site,” she said, adding, “Many investors are partnering with the university to develop projects on the 11,000 hectares of land.”
The ongoing dispute highlights tensions over land use in the FCT, with the university standing firm on its claim to the allocated land while addressing the minister’s concerns.
