The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has issued a stern warning to all Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education, cautioning them against establishing satellite campuses without proper authorization.
In a memo dated May 30, 2025, and obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the minister directed that any new campus set up without prior approval from the relevant regulatory bodies—the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)—will face strict sanctions.
Dr. Alausa expressed serious concern over what he described as the “unregulated and unjustified” proliferation of satellite campuses across federal tertiary institutions. He noted that many of these new campuses lack the academic, strategic, and infrastructural capacity necessary for credible operation.
“Rather than focusing on strengthening and developing existing campuses, some Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts are diverting already limited resources into establishing ill-equipped satellite campuses. This trend is counterproductive and undermines educational standards,” the memo stated.
The minister emphasized that such unauthorized expansions pose a threat to the integrity, quality, and sustainability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
In response, Dr. Alausa directed the NUC, NBTE, and NCCE to formally notify all federal tertiary institutions that no satellite campus may be established without the express approval of the Minister of Education via the appropriate regulatory body.
“Failure to comply with this directive will attract appropriate disciplinary actions,” the minister warned.
