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How I Almost Lost My Job As FCT Minister Because Of Land Given To A University – Bauchi Gov

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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed on Thursday revealed that he almost lost his job as the FCT Minister during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He explained that his job became threatened after he allocated a piece of land to Baze University in Abuja for the construction of their structures.

Mohammed made this known when he played host to the founder and members of the university management who paid him a courtesy visit in Bauchi.

The Governor however added that he didn’t regret what he did as he would rather make resources available to those who wanted to improve the society than allow land grabbers use it for unpleasant purposes.

“You all know my relationship with the Baze very well, the struggle we had. One lady even wanted to snatch your land. I almost lost my job because of Baze university, you didn’t know that portion of the story, but I’m saying it today.

“There is nothing I cannot do to free resources for the betterment of society and that is what I did for you. I believe it was the best thing to do.

“I did it because I was freeing land from speculators and those that would use it for other obnoxious uses. I congratulate you and I’m proud to be associated with you in this very noble endeavor,” Mohammed said.

The governor promised the university proprietor that he would take up his offer of a 75 percent subsidy on scholarship for students from Bauchi State.

He added that deserving students who were indigent, would be selected through a transparent process and be placed in the university.

Mohammed, therefore, directed the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Aliyu Tilde, to work out details of how the mandate will be achieved.

Earlier during the courtesy visit, the founder and Pro-Chancellor of Baze University Mr. Yusuf Ahmed appreciated Gov Mohammed, noting that the institution is what it is today because of leaders like him.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reacted to the approval given by the federal government for the establishment of 20 new private universities in the country.

The ASUU Chairman of the University of Jos, Dr. Lazarus Maigoro who reacted in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Jos, said the new universities must ensure they maintain the standard of education when they resume activities.

Maigoro lamented that some private universities have failed to adhere to educational standards, thereby turning out half baked graduates who are unable to contribute anything meaningful to society.

He also urged the federal government to ensure appropriate monitoring of the newly approved universities.