Yakubu Gowon University Land Is In Use For Geological Research,’ CONUA Tells FCT Minister

The Yakubu Gowon University Chapter of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike to protect the commitment of the university to geological research, stating that the university land is for geological research.

In a statement, signed by the Chairman, Yakubu Gowon University chapter of CONUA, Professor Abdul Buba, the congress expressed deep concern over reports that portions of land belonging to the university may be under consideration for revocation by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

Professor Abdul Buba urged the FCT Administration to adopt a long-term and development-conscious perspective, especially with regard to the only federal university in the FCT — now proudly bearing the name of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, in recognition of its national importance.

“The absence of buildings on certain parts of university land does not imply redundancy,” the statement noted. “Many of these areas have been deliberately preserved as future sites for research infrastructure, ecological study, and academic fieldwork. National universities require time, space, and vision to develop — and this includes open, undeveloped land that plays a strategic role in long-term educational planning.”

A case in point is the rocky and mountainous terrain within the university’s estate, which has been mapped and designated by the Department of Geology and Gemology — the first and only one of its kind in Africa — for scientific fieldwork, student training, and mineral resource assessment. These terrains host exceptional geological formations that serve as natural laboratories for cutting-edge instruction and exploration in Nigeria’s evolving geoscience sector.

Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, Head of the Department, clarified that “some of the land in question hold enormous value for geoscientific research and for responsibly generating public revenue through academic-industrial partnerships,” he explained. “Any move that redirects or fragments these areas at this time risks undermining a promising pathway for innovation-driven resource development.”

Professor Buba further noted that universities are not measured by speed of construction, but by the depth of their intellectual and institutional growth. “Unlike commercial real estate ventures, the evolution of a university is slow, methodical, and anchored in public interest,” he said. “Land without buildings today may be hosting tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs. A broader understanding of development is required — one that embraces both built infrastructure and knowledge infrastructure.”

CONUA applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to education and innovation and called for presidential intervention to ensure that the developmental priorities of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja are not compromised. The union called for constructive engagement between the University, the FCT Administration, and all relevant authorities to secure the institution’s land in line with its academic mission.

“We are optimistic that with greater consultation, clarity, and cooperation, a solution can be reached that protects the integrity of the university’s future — and upholds its role as a national beacon of knowledge,” the statement concluded.