By Lydia Legbo
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) has reaffirmed that its Bosso Campus was permanently acquired by the Federal Government and not leased from the Niger State Government, describing recent claims to the contrary as “factually and legally incorrect.”
In a statement issued by the University Management, the institution clarified that the former Government Teachers’ College, Minna, was formally acquired in 1983 following the establishment of the University by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to the statement, a compensation sum of N2.8 million was paid to the Niger State Government, signifying a full transfer of ownership to the Federal Government for the University’s use.The University stressed that there is no record of any lease agreement, tenancy arrangement, or temporary transfer document relating to the property.
Since the acquisition, the Federal Government has undertaken extensive renovation, reconstruction, and expansion projects at the Bosso Campus. Management noted that substantial public funds have been invested in academic buildings, laboratories, lecture theatres, student hostels, staff quarters, health facilities, worship centres, and administrative structures.
The campus currently houses several academic units, including departments within the School of Science and Technology Education, as well as centres such as the Centre for Preliminary and Extra Mural Studies and the Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies.
The University emphasised that the campus remains active and central to academic operations, serving thousands of students and staff. “The Bosso Campus is neither abandoned nor fallow,” the statement read.
Beyond the original Teachers’ College property, the University disclosed that it independently acquired adjoining lands from private landowners and organizations, compensating them accordingly. These acquisitions, it said, were separate from the original transfer from the Niger State Government and were lawfully integrated into the campus.
Citing provisions of the Land Use Act, the University argued that land validly acquired and vested in the Federal Government for public purposes remains protected.
The management also referenced official documentation, including minutes of the University’s Second Council Meeting held in September 1983, which reportedly confirmed the permanent acquisition and payment of compensation.
In addition, a report of the Federal Government Visitation Panel (1999–2003) reaffirmed that the property was acquired on a permanent basis.
The University further pointed to a directive issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in August 2014, which stated that federal universities are established on facilities provided by State Governments on the understanding that the said facilities and landed property would not revert to the State Government, this position has not changed. Consequently, Vice – Chancellors should ensure that the title documents to the facilities are retained by the University and that any difficulty arising on the issue is promptly reported to the National Universities Commission for appropriate action.
FUT Minna insisted that any attempt to repossess the Bosso Campus would amount to dispossession of Federal Government property, result in loss of significant public investment, and disrupt academic activities.
The University maintained that the Bosso Campus is lawfully vested in the Federal Government for its use and that the Niger State Government lacks the legal grounds to reclaim it.
Management reiterated its commitment to continued academic use of the campus in the interest of students, staff, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.