The 11 host communities of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), have called on the institution’s management to comply with the decision of a Federal Government inter-ministerial committee and excise 2,200.999 hectares of land back to them.

The communities, Avu, Obinze, Umuanunu, Umuoma, Ihiagwa Ancient Kingdom, Dindi Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Eziokele, Okolochi, Emeabiam, and Obibi Ezena, said the land is needed to accommodate their rapidly growing populations.

Speaking with The Guardian on Monday, the Attorney to the communities, Chief Sam Anokam, said the decision followed years of deliberations, negotiations, and legal disputes between the parties.

He noted that FUTO currently holds 4,455.768 hectares of land, as delineated in 1986 under “Imo State of Nigeria Plan No. OWR (M) 321, Tracing No. (CARTO) IM 720 from Pillar MB 10967,” with over 2,000 hectares lying unused.

Anokam explained that the communities are in possession of an official letter from the Federal Government’s inter-ministerial committee, comprising the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, directing FUTO to excise the land. He accused the university of using security operatives to block access to the land despite the directive.

He argued that FUTO’s claim that only a direct presidential directive could compel compliance was legally unfounded.

“It is preposterous for FUTO authorities to challenge the superior authority of the Federal Government through advertorials in print and social media,” Anokam said.

“This is an act of flagrant disobedience driven by conflict of interest. The reasons advanced to reject the decision of the inter-ministerial committee are baseless.”

Citing Section 51(2) of the Land Use Act, Anokam maintained that the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development is legally empowered to manage federal properties on behalf of the President.

He insisted that the host communities would stand by the letter offering them 2,200.999 hectares “in lieu of monetary compensation” and take steps to reclaim their ancestral lands.

In response, FUTO’s Registrar, Chiedozie Uba, said the institution would rely on Section 19 of the Federal Universities of Technology Act and would only act upon direct communication from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.