The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a bold step by waiving the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees for the Nigerian Law School campus in Bwari The decision is part of a broader effort to regularize land ownership for key government institutions across the capital
The announcement has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s legal and education sectors, with many praising the move as a major relief for the institution Beyond the fee waiver, Wike also ordered urgent infrastructure upgrades, signaling a renewed commitment to improving learning conditions for students
Wike Shocked by Missing C of O for Law School
During a meeting with the law school’s management in Abuja, Wike expressed surprise that the institution had been operating without a formal Certificate of Occupancy
He described the situation as part of a wider problem involving undocumented government properties, which his administration is now actively addressing To correct this, the minister directed that the C of O be processed and delivered within one week
He also instructed the FCT director of lands to waive all related fees and ensure immediate issuance, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation for public institutions
Major Infrastructure Boost for Nigerian Law School
Beyond the documentation breakthrough, Wike announced several urgent projects aimed at transforming the Abuja campus of the Nigerian Law School
He revealed that the FCT administration has prioritized staff housing, with ten units already completed These are set to be commissioned during the third anniversary celebrations of Bola Tinubu
More Housing and Facilities Coming
To further improve living conditions:
- An additional ten staff housing units will be constructed using existing designs to cut costs
- New male and female hostels are currently under construction to reduce overcrowding
- Approval has been granted for a modern auditorium
These developments are expected to significantly enhance both academic and residential experiences for students and staff
Push for Faster Project Delivery and Digitition
Wike also raised concerns over delays in contractor mobilization, stressing that projects must be handled with urgency
In a move aligned with ongoing reforms in the FCT, he directed the law school to collaborate with FCTA’s general counsel to explore digitizing administrative processes similar to systems already introduced in institutions like the high court
According to him, investing in education infrastructure remains a priority, especially when it benefits young Nigerians
“Anything we can do to help our children, we are willing to do that,” Wike stated, adding that staff housing projects must be treated as an emergency
What a Certificate of Occupancy Means
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is a crucial legal document issued by the Nigerian government It grants individuals or organizations the right to occupy and use land for a specific period
Without it, land ownership remains legally incomplete, making Wike’s intervention a significant step toward securing the law school’s property rights
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