By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday passed the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Kano State to regulate fees charged by private schools, protect parents from arbitrary tuition hikes, and strengthen oversight of private educational institutions. The lawmakers approved the bill after its third reading and Committee of the Whole consideration during plenary, and it now awaits Governor Abba Yusuf’s assent.
PTA Approval Now Mandatory Before Fee Increase
Speaking after the bill’s passage, House Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini said the amendment requires every private primary and secondary school to consult its Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) before increasing school fees.
He added that any approved tuition increase must not exceed 10 per cent of the existing school fees.
According to Hussaini, the provision will encourage transparency and ensure parents participate in decisions affecting education costs.
Schools Cannot Inflate External Examination Fees
The amendment also prevents private schools from charging excessive registration fees for external examinations.
Under the new law, schools cannot collect more than 10 per cent above the official registration fees fixed by examination bodies such as WAEC, NECO, and NBTE.
The measure aims to protect parents from unnecessary financial burdens during examination registration.
Amendment Reduces Statutory Charges
The legislation also lowers the statutory charges payable by private schools to the Private and Voluntary Institutions Board.
Under the amendment, the levy drops from 15 per cent to five per cent, providing financial relief for school owners while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Executive Secretary Must Be an Experienced Educationist
The bill introduces new qualifications for the Executive Secretary of the Private and Voluntary Institutions Board.
It states that the office must be occupied by a retired or experienced educationist who attained at least Grade Level 14 in the public service.
Lawmakers believe the requirement will improve leadership and enhance the administration of private schools.
Bill Awaits Governor Yusuf’s Assent
Hussaini said the amendment forms part of the Kano State Government’s broader efforts to improve private school administration, promote accountability, and raise educational standards across the state.
The House passed the Executive Bill after Clerk of the House, Bashir Diso, conducted its third reading. Lawmakers subsequently considered and approved it during plenary.
The legislation now awaits the assent of Governor Abba Yusuf before becoming law.
