Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, says the entire university community are in awe of attack by bandits on the institution.
Also, the Federal Government has approved N400 million for the building of a perimeter fence for the university.
Prof. Na’Allah also appealed to the Federal Government to protect the university from encroachment, adding that staff and students were “living in fear of bandits.”
A statement, on Wednesday, by the Public Relations Officer of UNIABUJA, Dr. Habib Yakoob, said Prof. Na’Allah spoke during a visit by the Director, Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory, Murkta Galadima, on Tuesday.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the bandits and the encroachment on UNIABUJA land, as well as erection of illegal structures were preventing his administration from carrying out developmental projects on campus and constituting a security threat to students and staff.
“He (Na’Allah) expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for approving about N400m to enable the university erect a fence, adding that his administration would embark on the project between now and December,” the statement said.
Prof. Na’Allah was also quoted as saying, “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 just take over.
“I can tell you that on many occasions, we have had clashes.”
Galadima said there was a need to follow due process in removing the structures.
He added, “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.”