By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured the people of Abaji Area Council and residents of the FCT that the long-awaited FCT University of Science and Technology, Abaji, will take off fully during the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike made this disclosure during his thank-you visit to the Abaji Area Council on Tuesday.
He assured residents that the university will no longer remain a promise, noting that the institution will be delivered during the current administration.
The minister describes the take-off as a major part of the Renewed Hope commitment to expand economic opportunities in satellite communities.
His assurance followed an appeal by Abaji Chairman Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, who said the project had become the community’s most pressing demand.
Abdullahi noted that the council’s overwhelming support for the APC in the last area election was driven by visible improvements under Wike and the expectation that stalled federal projects, especially the university, would be completed.
Abdullahi said, “Your Excellency, we want to tender our passionate appeal, pleading for the completion and approval for the commencement of the University of Science and Technology. The people of Abaji have confidence in your leadership, and we believe Abaji will be great under your leadership.”
He reminded the minister of the council’s voting strength during the last election.
“Abaji has 135 polling units. To the glory of God and your leadership, APC won 133 polling units, leaving just two. We won all 10 political wards with a total vote of 15,535, which is a first of its kind.”
In response, Wike assured residents that the university would begin operations before the end of President Tinubu’s tenure.
“We have made it public that the University of Science and Technology, under this administration, will show you the reality of it. I know what it should do to create jobs, to open up Abaji as a town. Be assured, I will be the one who will declare open the operation of that university.”
He said the renewed push for the project reflects Tinubu’s directive that governance must translate into visible outcomes for communities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just in talking, but in practice. The people must see that the good we have lost has been brought back, and that is what we are doing today.”
Wike also linked Abaji’s rising visibility to the council’s leadership, praising Abdullahi’s cooperation with the FCTA.
“When you have a servant like the chairman of the council who knows what his people want, who is humble, it is easier for the good news to come.”
Recall that for many years, the Abaji varsity remained in the realm of promises.
In a related development, the minister also used the occasion to announce the elevation of all second-class traditional rulers in the FCT to first-class traditional rulers.
This was also at the request of the Ona of Abaji, HRM, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, who was the only first-class traditional ruler in the FCT.
