The Alumni Association of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT‑Minna) has formally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his role as Visitor of the university, to intervene in what it described as an attempt by the Niger State Government to seize control of the historic Bosso Campus. The appeal was made at a press briefing in Abuja by the National President of the association, Professor Shola Gabriel Solomon.
According to the alumni, the Niger State Government, led by Governor Muhammed Umar Bago, is attempting to “forcefully and illegally” wrest control of the Bosso Campus — property the federal government acquired nearly 40 years ago. They argued that such a takeover would violate federal law and the constitutional division of powers between federal and state governments.
Historical Background and Ownership of Bosso Campus
During the briefing, Professor Solomon provided a detailed history of the campus acquisition:
“After due consideration by the Niger State Government, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, was offered Teachers’ College Bosso — the former St. Malachy’s Teachers’ College — with the understanding that adequate and reasonable compensation would be paid. This offer was accepted, and a formal agreement was reached at a joint meeting involving representatives of the Niger State Ministries of Education and Works, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
“At that joint meeting, it was formally agreed that the sum of TWO MILLION, EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA (₦2,800,000.00) would be paid to the Niger State Government as full and adequate compensation for the property. The Niger State Government formally accepted this payment and, in consideration thereof, released the Teachers’ College Bosso to the Federal University of Technology, Minna. This transaction was a completed commercial and legal act — not a temporary loan, not a grace arrangement, and certainly not a lease that would expire.”
The alumni emphasised that the campus remains fully operational, housing academic departments, laboratories, staff quarters, a bank, a staff school, a mosque, and a chapel. They noted that claims suggesting the property is idle are “completely false.”
Reaction to State Government’s Attempted Takeover
On the legality of the eviction notice, Professor Solomon said:
“This is unconscionable, illegal, and a gross violation of due process. The forcible seizure of a Federal Government institution’s property by a State Government is also a brazen violation of the constitutional delineation of federal and state powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
He also highlighted the wider implications:
“We wish to draw the attention of the Nigerian public, the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, the National Universities Commission, and the international academic community to the dangerous precedent that the Niger State Government’s action seeks to set.
“If a state government can unilaterally decide to evict a Federal University from its campus, disrupting the academic programmes of thousands of students and the livelihoods of hundreds of staff members without a lawful basis or due process, no Federal institution operating within any state in Nigeria is safe. This is an assault not just on FUT Minna but on the federal character principle and the unity of this nation.”
Alumni Association’s Commitment and Planned Actions
The alumni vowed to defend the university’s assets by all lawful means, including legal action up to the Supreme Court if necessary. Professor Solomon said:
“We are prepared to mobilize our members in Nigeria and in the diaspora, engage the finest legal minds available, and pursue this matter to its conclusion at every level of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, if necessary.
“The Bosso Campus is not just real estate — it is sacred ground, the cradle of our academic formation, the birthplace of careers that have contributed to the development of Nigeria and the world. We will not surrender it to political brinkmanship and constitutional lawlessness.
“We wish to serve notice on all parties — the Niger State Government, its officials, agents, and any privies — that the Federal University of Technology, Minna Alumni Association will leave absolutely no stone unturned in the defence of the university’s assets at any location, at any time, and by every lawful means available. We are monitoring this situation closely, documenting every action taken by the state government, and are prepared to pursue civil, constitutional, and international remedies as the circumstances demand. The law is on our side, history is on our side, and justice will prevail.”
Appeal to National Authorities
The alumni also called on President Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission to intervene immediately. Professor Solomon stated:
“We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR), the Honourable Minister of Education, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission to immediately call Governor Bago to order as we will not leave any stone unturned and will employ every possible avenue to fight this unlawful course of action by the Governor.
“We call on the National Assembly to summon the Governor of Niger State and relevant state officials to appear before appropriate legislative committees to explain this unilateral and reckless action. The integrity of federal institutions must be defended at the highest levels of government.”
Wider Implications
The dispute has also prompted students and lecturers of FUT‑Minna to protest against the Niger State Government’s move, citing the risk of disrupting academic activities and displacing staff and students. Observers warn that if the state government’s attempt succeeds, it could set a dangerous precedent threatening other federal institutions across Nigeria.
The FUT‑Minna Alumni Association has urged solidarity from former and current students, staff, retirees, and well‑wishers both in Nigeria and abroad, pledging unwavering defense of the institution’s properties and legacy.
