The protracted land dispute between the Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum (FCE Potiskum), and residents of the Potiskum L...
The protracted land dispute between the Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum (FCE Potiskum), and residents of the Potiskum Local Government Area in Yobe State continues to escalate, with affected landowners decrying what they describe as inadequate compensation and a disregard for due process.
At the centre of the conflict is land in the Mazaga area of the Jigawa District, which the College has begun developing for new facilities. Community members allege that FCE Potiskum commenced construction without proper consultation or fair compensation, despite their claims of long-standing ownership backed by original documentation.
Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed, one of the affected residents, said he has held land in the area for over four decades.
"I have owned this land for over forty years," he said. "These are not just one or two plots—they are expansive areas inherited from our forefathers. We have all the original documents. Yet, when FCE came in, they disregarded them and began building without any formal engagement."
Mohammed noted that although the Yobe State Government had assured them that compensation would be provided, the amounts disbursed have been grossly inadequate.
"We took the matter to the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, who confirmed that FCE Potiskum was instructed to compensate us. That directive was ignored. Later, when we contacted the Brekete Family human rights radio platform in Abuja, the government again reaffirmed its position. Still, all we received were token sums—N20,000, N14,000, even as low as N3,000—for land worth over N1 million."
"There was no proper land valuation, no surveyor visit, no formal assessment—just these meagre payments, and construction began. We want justice."
Another landowner, Yunana Abare, described the process as not only unlawful but a violation of the community’s fundamental rights.
"We are not against development," he said. "We welcome educational expansion in our area. But it must follow due process. What happened here is land grabbing, plain and simple."
"I was offered N12,000 for a plot worth no less than N1.5 million. I rejected it, but the money was still deposited, and construction continued."
He also raised concerns about the College’s reliance on heavy security during construction activities. "They often come with military and police escorts—sometimes over ten police vehicles. If the land is truly theirs, why all the security presence? Why not follow the law and compensate us properly?"
Nuhu Idriss Mohammed, another resident, said the College may have taken advantage of the community's peaceful nature.
"They assumed we would remain silent," he said. "Initially, we were calm, expecting an administrative resolution. But instead, all we got were crumbs—N5,000 here, N3,000 there—while bulldozers, engineers, and contractors rolled in."
"We're not begging. We're demanding what is rightfully ours. Let them conduct proper land valuation and compensate us accordingly. If not, we may be forced to take legal action."
Community elder Adamu Wuje emphasised that the dispute is about more than just money.
"This is about transparency and respect," he said. "You cannot begin construction on people’s land without engaging them. Even the law does not permit such actions."
"Some got N14,000, others N3,000—what does that mean? This is a multi-billion-naira project, yet the landowners are being short-changed. It’s unacceptable."
He called on the College to initiate dialogue with the community and involve government-accredited valuers to ensure fair compensation and compliance with the law.
Tori Abubakar Dadango framed the issue as a test of how public institutions respect local communities.
"I was born here. My parents were among the first settlers," he said. "Now, the same government that should protect us is letting an institution take our land without due process."
"Despite several attempts to engage FCE Potiskum, there has been no response. The state government keeps promising action, but nothing materialises. Compensation has been paid in secret, with no public documentation or consultation."
"If the Federal Government truly needs this land, let it pay its worth. We are not enemies of progress, but this cannot continue."
Efforts to obtain an official response from the management of FCE Potiskum were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the institution’s Public Relations Unit were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
However, a source within the Yobe State Ministry of Land and Housing, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the state government had issued a directive for compensation.
“There was a letter from the Secretary to the State Government advising that compensation be paid. I believe some disbursements were made, but clearly, the amounts are inadequate,” the source said.
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