FG to Sanction Unapproved Satellite Campuses — Education Minister Warns

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to all Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education operating satellite campuses without proper approval, stating that such institutions will face strict sanctions.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, gave the directive in a memo dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Executive Secretaries of the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Dr. Alausa expressed serious concern over what he described as the increasing trend of unauthorized and unjustified establishment of satellite campuses across the country. He stated that many of the newly created campuses lack the academic, infrastructural, and strategic frameworks needed to deliver quality education.

“The unapproved proliferation of satellite campuses undermines the integrity, quality, and sustainability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” the Minister said. “Rather than focusing on improving existing campuses, some Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts are diverting limited resources to establish inadequately equipped new campuses, which is counterproductive and detrimental to our educational standards.”

He directed the NUC, NBTE, and NCCE to formally notify all Federal tertiary institutions under their regulation that no new satellite campus should be established without the express approval of the Minister through the appropriate regulatory body. He warned that any violation of this directive will attract disciplinary actions.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the nation’s higher education system and ensuring that institutional expansion is based on proper planning and alignment with national development objectives.