The Federal University of Technology, Minna Alumni Association (FUTMAA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly (NASS), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to urgently intervene over what it described as an alleged attempt by the Niger State Government to take over the University’s Bosso Campus.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the National President of the Association, Prof. Ishola Gabriel Solomon, accused the administration of Mohammed Umar Bago of laying claim to the campus based on what he termed a “non-existent 40-year lease agreement.”

Solomon said the Bosso property, formerly St. Malachy’s Teachers’ College, was lawfully acquired by the University in 1982 after payment of ₦2.8 million as full compensation to the Niger State Government, stressing that the transaction conferred outright ownership and was not a lease arrangement.

He described as false the claim by the state Governor, Umar Bago that the Bosso Campus is lying fallow, noting that the facility currently houses the School of Science Education, departments of Industrial and Technology Education, the General Studies unit, and several centres and directorates, including those for Human Studies and Genetic Engineering.

According to him, the campus accommodates over 1,500 students and contains extensive infrastructure such as lecture halls, laboratories, student hostels, staff quarters, a health clinic, the University Staff School, worship centres, and the FUT Minna Microfinance Bank.

The Alumni Association also referenced a letter allegedly signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, directing the University to vacate the campus by December 1, 2025, describing the measure as offensive and a threat to federal assets.

The Alumni further alleged that the Deputy Governor recently “invaded” the campus and suggested a division of the land, a proposal he said was rejected by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, on the grounds that he lacked the authority to cede federal property.

The Alumni warned that any attempt by a state government to appropriate property belonging to a federal institution would set a dangerous precedent and undermine constitutional provisions governing federal assets.

It urged the President, the Minister of Education, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, and the National Assembly to intervene and safeguard the University’s property rights.

The Alumni pledged full moral and financial support to the University’s Governing Council and Management, stating it was prepared to pursue all legal remedies, including action up to the Supreme Court the property of the institution worth over N9 trillion if necessary.

Reaffirming confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership, the Association said it would stand in solidarity with the University and resist what it described as political brinkmanship and constitutional overreach by the state government.