The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) has expressed concern over what it called an alleged attempt by the Niger State Government to take control of the Bosso Campus.
In a statement signed by Chairperson Luqman ‘Kunle’ Oyewobi, the union condemned the move as unlawful and a threat to the autonomy and legal status of federal universities. ASUU emphasized that the Bosso Campus, established by a federal act in 1983, is federal property and any attempt by the state to appropriate it would violate federal laws and constitutional provisions.
The union dismissed claims that the campus was merely leased, noting that the land—formerly St. Malachy’s College—was formally transferred to the federal government following compensation of ₦2.8 million to the state. ASUU stressed that the campus remains fully functional, supporting thousands of students, staff, and academic operations, and warned that any disruption could undermine the university’s programs and research.
Citing a 2014 communication from the National Universities Commission (NUC), ASUU argued that federal university facilities do not revert to state governments. The union urged the federal government, National Assembly, and NUC to reaffirm FUT Minna’s federal ownership, while calling on the Niger State government to pursue dialogue rather than unilateral action.
The alleged takeover reportedly involves converting the Bosso Campus into a teaching hospital for Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, citing the campus as a 40-year lease that had expired. FUT Minna and ASUU reject this claim, insisting that the federal government owns the land outright.
Since March 2, staff and students have protested, and the university’s alumni have petitioned President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for intervention.
