Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa Orders Crackdown on Unapproved Satellite Campuses in Federal Tertiary Institutions

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has issued a stern warning to Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education nationwide, stating that any new satellite campuses established without prior approval from their respective regulatory bodies—the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Colleges of Education (NCCE)—will face serious sanctions.

This warning was outlined in a memo obtained by Journalists Online on Wednesday, dated May 30, 2025. The memo was addressed to the Executive Secretaries of these agencies, expressing concern over the increasing trend of unregulated and unjustified satellite campus establishments by federal tertiary institutions. The minister highlighted that many of these new campuses lack the necessary academic, infrastructural, and strategic backing to justify their creation.

Alausa emphasized that the unchecked proliferation of satellite campuses threatens the integrity, quality, and sustainability of Nigeria’s higher education system. He criticized some Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts for diverting limited resources to establish inadequately equipped satellite campuses instead of focusing on improving existing facilities, which he described as counterproductive and harmful to educational standards.

The minister directed the NUC, NBTE, and NCCE to formally inform all federal tertiary institutions under their supervision that no satellite campuses should be established without the explicit approval of the Minister of Education through these agencies. He further warned that non-compliance with this directive will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures.