The Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah has said Federal government approved the sum of N400m for the building of perimeter fence for the institution.
Na’Allah appealed to the government to protect the university from encroachment, revealing that the staff and students live in fear of bandits, Sahara Reporters reports.
The VC said this during a visit by the Director, Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory, Murkta Galadima on Tuesday, a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Habib Yakoob said.
Na’Allah said the bandits, encroachment on their lands and erection of illegal structures were hindering the developmental strides in the university and posing security threat to students and staff.
The statement read, “He (Na’Allah) expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for approving about N400m to enable the university to erect a fence, adding that his administration would embark on the project between now and December.
“The truth is that this great university is in trouble right now. I say this because we have all sorts of people who are living on the campus, who are using the land without respect for the environment. It is worse now because bandits are coming in and taking over land both within staff residences and outside.
“Our students are being attacked; we are living in fear of bandits. Some of the indigenes give land to these bandits without really knowing them; some don’t even ask for permission; they take over. I can tell you that on many occasions, we have had clashes.”
Galadima advocated for due process in getting rid of the structures.
“It has to be done with the FCT administration. We shall meet with the university, village chiefs, Area Council Secretariat and tell them these are the challenges. Resettlement will also come in,” he added.