Residents of the Kundulum community in Gombe State have rejected plans by the state government to acquire their farmlands for the proposed permanent site of the privately owned Jewel University, insisting that the process lacks adequate consultation and does not guarantee fair compensation for affected landowners.
The opposition emerged after a town hall meeting attended by community leaders, farmers and other stakeholders, where participants unanimously called on the government to suspend the acquisition process and embrace dialogue with indigenous landowners before taking any further action.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Shuaibu Gara, argued that compulsory acquisition for a privately owned institution should not be treated as a project executed in the overriding public interest. He maintained that the community was not opposed to educational development but insisted that the rights and livelihoods of residents must be respected throughout the process.
According to Gara, officials had already begun demarcating approximately 110 hectares of farmland despite what he described as insufficient engagement with those who own and cultivate the land. He also alleged that the compensation proposed for the affected properties falls significantly below their actual value, leaving many residents dissatisfied with the process.
Community representatives further recalled that Kundulum had, over the years, surrendered large portions of land for major public projects, including Gombe State University, the Federal College of Education, the Livestock City project and a public market. Despite these sacrifices, they said the community had received limited economic benefits, employment opportunities or infrastructure in return.
The residents therefore appealed directly to the management of Jewel University to open discussions with landowners instead of relying on compulsory government acquisition. They argued that voluntary negotiations would foster trust, reduce tension and create a mutually beneficial relationship between the institution and its host community.
They also urged the Gombe State Government to ensure that any future acquisition process is conducted transparently, with adequate consultation, respect for property rights and compensation that reflects prevailing market realities. According to the stakeholders, fairness and accountability remain essential for maintaining public confidence in government-led development initiatives.
Several affected farmers expressed concern over the potential consequences of losing their agricultural land, describing farming as their principal means of livelihood. They warned that the proposed takeover could threaten household incomes, food production and the long-term economic stability of many families within the community.
The landowners consequently appealed to the authorities either to allow them to retain their farms or to redesign the acquisition process in a manner that safeguards their interests while balancing the state’s educational development objectives. They stressed that meaningful engagement remains the most effective path toward resolving the dispute peacefully.
The development highlights the growing importance of community participation in infrastructure and educational projects across Nigeria. Experts have consistently maintained that early consultation, equitable compensation and transparent decision-making are essential to preventing conflicts over land while ensuring that development initiatives enjoy the support of their host communities.
