The Federal Ministry of Education has drawn a line in the sand over the rapid rise of satellite campuses across Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions.
Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa’s recent directive makes it clear: no new branch campuses can open without official approval.
Rising Concern Over Unauthorised Campuses
This warning follows a rising trend of unauthorised satellite campuses emerging across the country.
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 National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Alausa expressed serious concern about this development.
What Are Satellite Campuses?
Satellite campuses, which often operate away from their parent institutions—sometimes in different cities or states—vary widely.
Some share administration and resources with the main campus, while others run independently with separate governance.
Lack Of Capacity And Resources
Alausa pointed out that many new branches lack the necessary academic standards, infrastructure, and strategic planning to justify their creation.
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Consequently, they risk undermining the quality and sustainability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Misallocation Of Resources
He emphasised, “Instead of concentrating on improving existing campuses, some Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts divert scarce resources to launch poorly equipped satellite campuses.
This approach is counterproductive and threatens educational standards.”
Clear Directive To Regulatory Bodies
Therefore, the Minister instructed the NUC, NBTE, and NCCE to formally notify all federal institutions under their supervision that they must obtain explicit approval from the Minister of Education before opening any satellite campus, through the appropriate regulatory channels.
Consequences For Non-Compliance
Furthermore, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, announced that the Ministry will take disciplinary action against any institution that violates this directive.
Commitment To Quality And Growth
Finally, Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s dedication to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
He stressed that institutions must plan expansions carefully, allocate sufficient resources, and align them with the country’s development goals to ensure lasting growth and academic excellence.
