The Suleja Development Association (SUDA) has expressed opposition to reported plans by the Niger State Government to transfer the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Field Base in Suleja to the military. SUDA's Public Relations Officer, Umar Shuaibu, stated that the association would resist any attempt to convert or transfer the facility without the consent of the Suleja community. The field base currently accommodates the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) campus, offering diploma and postgraduate programmes.
The controversy began with an earlier proposal by the state government to convert the facility into a market, which was rejected by the community. According to Shuaibu, the community had formally written to the government seeking dialogue over the future of the property but received no response. Instead, they learned that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with a military organisation. Shuaibu warned that the community would not succumb to intimidation and threatened litigation.
Shuaibu emphasized the historical significance of the field base to the people of Suleja. The land was originally ancestral farmland belonging to local farmers before it was acquired by the Federal Government for public purposes. FCDA had committed to using it for a limited time and handing it over to Niger State as its contribution to community development. The community now wants the facility preserved as a permanent centre for higher education.
The people of Suleja have made significant sacrifices for the development of the Federal Capital, including surrendering large portions of their ancestral territory and the original name, Abuja. Despite being a major economic centre in Niger State, Suleja continues to suffer neglect in the provision of public higher educational institutions. The town lacks a full-fledged post-secondary public higher institution, including a polytechnic, college of education, or state university main campus.
SUDA had previously advocated for the establishment of the IBB University School of Medicine at the Suleja campus, but the proposal was eventually abandoned due to political considerations. The facility was moved to the Shiroro Hotel site in Minna. Shuaibu stated that the community continues to engage authorities through diplomatic channels to secure the facility for educational purposes.
The Suleja community is determined to protect the FCDA Field Base, which has been instrumental in addressing the town's educational challenges. With no response from the government, the community is preparing for a potential legal battle. Shuaibu claimed that they have all the evidence needed for litigation and will not back down.
The proposed military takeover of the FCDA Field Base has sparked concerns about the future of education in Suleja. The community's resistance has highlighted the need for a comprehensive plan for the development of higher education in Niger State. The state government's plans for the facility remain unclear, but one thing is certain – the people of Suleja will not give up their fight to preserve the field base for educational purposes.
Key points
- Suleja community rejects military takeover of FCDA Field Base.
- Facility crucial for higher education in Suleja.
- Community threatens litigation if plans not reversed.
