The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared an emergency over staff housing and infrastructure deficits at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari campus, approving a full waiver of fees for its Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Wike made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the school’s management, following concerns raised by the Director-General, Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote.
The minister expressed shock that the institution had operated for years without proper land documentation since relocating to Bwari. He described the situation as part of broader administrative lapses affecting public institutions.
Wike directed the Director of Lands to ensure the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy within one week, with all associated fees waived.
“We are going to waive the fee for the C of O immediately. It is unfortunate that the Law School has been operating without this document,” he said, noting that ownership documentation should have been secured upon relocation.
To address infrastructure challenges, Wike disclosed that 10 staff housing units have been completed and are ready for commissioning as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He added that an additional 10 units will be constructed using existing designs to reduce costs and speed up delivery.
The minister also revealed that two new hostels—one for male and another for female students—are under construction to ease congestion on campus. He further confirmed that funds have been approved for a new auditorium, while expressing concern over delays by the contractor.
Wike said the interventions align with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to strengthen legal education and the judiciary, including ongoing efforts to provide housing for judicial officers.
Earlier, Odusote commended the minister for ongoing infrastructure development across the FCT but highlighted the Law School’s pressing needs, including deteriorating facilities and inadequate infrastructure.
The Abuja campus of the Nigerian Law School, located in Bwari, serves as the headquarters of the institution, which provides mandatory vocational training for law graduates. It relocated from Lagos in 1997 and has since expanded into a multi-campus system to meet growing demand ahead of Call to the Bar.