Minister of Education Mediates Land Dispute Between FUTMinna and Niger State Government

 A high-level mediation meeting convened by the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has led to a strategic shift in the ongoing property dispute between the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) and the Niger State Government.

The meeting, held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, brought together the university’s management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside staff unions and the Alumni Association, to face a delegation from the Niger State Government.

Documentary Evidence and Ownership Claims

During the proceedings, the Vice-Chancellor presented a nine-minute video demonstrating active academic and administrative operations at the Bosso Campus. This visual evidence countered previous assertions that the site had been dormant for 15 years.

Significantly, the university tendered historical payment vouchers and receipts totaling ₦2.8 million, dating back to 1983, which confirmed the outright purchase of the former Government Teachers College Minna as the university's take-off site. In contrast, the Niger State Government was reportedly unable to provide documentation to support claims of a 40-year lease agreement.

A Shift Toward Collaboration

While tensions remained high—with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago raising concerns over the validity of the University’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)—the focus of the discussion shifted from a total takeover to a facility-sharing model.

The primary objective identified during the meeting was the need for a collaborative framework to accommodate 300-level Medical Students from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), ensuring their studies remain uninterrupted.

Ministerial Directive

In his resolution, the Minister of Education directed the Governing Council of FUT Minna to meet with a technical team from the Niger State Government. The mandate is to negotiate a formal agreement for the shared use of facilities at the Bosso Campus, with clearly defined terms to protect the interests of both institutions.

Alumni Support

Professor Shola Gabriel Solomon, President of the FUT Minna Alumni Association, lauded the university community for its solidarity, noting that the move toward a structured partnership marks a positive step toward resolving the impasse while prioritizing the education of Nigerian students.