The Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), Dr. Akinyemi Fadiyimu, has voiced his concerns regarding the relentless attacks and harassment faced by the institution’s students and staff at the hands of land grabbers. These individuals have been posing a serious threat to FECA’s land, potentially resulting in the loss of three-quarters of the college’s territory if the claimants succeed in their ongoing legal actions against the institution.
Dr. Fadiyimu disclosed during a visit by leaders of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), that FECA is currently embroiled in five different litigations initiated by individuals claiming ownership of the land. This alarming situation has not only compromised the safety and security of the students but has also disrupted the learning environment within the institution.
The Provost stressed the urgent need to raise public awareness about the college’s imperative requirement for a vast expanse of land to effectively carry out its operations. As a specialized institution focusing on agricultural education, research, and development, FECA heavily relies on its land resources to provide practical experiences and training to its students.
In addition to the detrimental impact of the attacks by land grabbers, Dr. Fadiyimu lamented the adverse consequences resulting from the removal of Colleges of Education from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND). This, he argued, has led to a “serious infrastructural deficit in the institution.”
“Our greatest threat here is the issue of land grabbing. Land grabbers want to forcefully encroach on our land,” Dr. Fadiyimu expressed. “We are currently facing five litigations from individuals who are laying claim to this college. On different fronts, various persons are disputing our land. The issues at hand are grave.”
“If, by chance, we lose these cases, the land available to this college will be reduced by three-quarters, leaving only one-quarter for us to operate. The land grabbers incessantly attack our staff and students, posing significant security risks,” he added, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The location of FECA seems to be viewed as an attractive prospect by land speculators, but Dr. Fadiyimu implored them to let the college develop and fulfill its purpose of serving society.
