diff --git i/scipy/datasets/meson.build w/scipy/datasets/meson.build
index 101377253..eec2feea4 100644
--- i/scipy/datasets/meson.build
+++ w/scipy/datasets/meson.build
@@ -11,4 +11,3 @@ py3.install_sources(
   subdir: 'scipy/datasets'
 )
 
-subdir('tests')