The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abuja Zone, has criticized the Niger State Government over what it described as intimidation, threats, and an attempt to forcefully take over the Bosso Campus of the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMinna).
ASUU warned that the situation has grown into a national issue involving land ownership, federal authority, and university independence.
Speaking at a press conference held at FUTMinna’s Gidan-Kwano Campus, the Abuja Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adam Al-Amin Abdullahi, stated that the Bosso Campus belongs to the federal government and is not a leased property.
He explained that the land was legally acquired by the federal government in 1983 for ₦2.8 million and has remained its property since then.
According to him, the crisis started when the state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, announced plans to repossess the campus, claiming the lease had expired. He said quit notices were later issued in October and November 2025, asking the university to vacate the land.
Prof. Abdullahi further alleged that in February 2026, a delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, went to the Bosso campus and began marking parts of the land for state use without informing the university authorities. ASUU described this action as disrespectful and against due process.
He highlighted the importance of the campus, noting that it houses staff quarters, academic departments, laboratories, student hostels, and other key facilities.
“The Bosso Campus hosts staff residences, academic departments, research laboratories, student hostels, and other critical facilities. Any attempt to displace the university or force shared use could disrupt academic activities and spark unnecessary conflicts,” he said.
ASUU also criticized the role of the university’s Governing Council.
“We regret to say that Dr Mohammed Kudu Santuraki, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, has supported a position that undermines the university. We therefore declare him a persona non grata and call on the Federal Government to appoint a leader capable of safeguarding FUTMinna’s interests,” he added.
The union reaffirmed its support for the university and urged the Niger State Government to withdraw from what it described as an “unprecedented and unjustified” dispute and respect the institution’s ownership of the campus.
