Suleja:The Suleja Development Association (SUDA) has expressed strong opposition to the Niger Government’s alleged plan to transfer the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Field Base in Suleja to the military.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, SUDA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Umar Shuaibu, announced this stance, highlighting the community’s rejection of previous proposals to convert the field base, currently used by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, into a market. This space is currently providing diploma and postgraduate programs for local youths.
Shuaibu emphasized that the community’s attempts to engage the government through official letters have been ignored. He stated that instead of dialogue, they discovered a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with a military organization, which he perceived as an intimidation tactic.
The land, originally owned by local ancestral farmers, was transferred to the Federal Government for public use. Shuaibu noted that the community was promised the land would be returned after a few years, acknowledging their contributions to the development of Suleja. Despite Suleja’s significant contributions to the Federal Capital Territory, the town lacks key public educational institutions.
Shuaibu criticized the relocation of the IBB University School of Medicine to Minna, despite SUDA’s efforts to establish it in Suleja. He argued that the issue is beyond political affiliations, focusing on the need for higher education facilities in the region.
SUDA continues to push for the maintenance of the field base as a center for higher education, urging the state government to reconsider its plans and prioritize the educational development of Suleja’s youth.