The Kano State House of Assembly has approved a landmark amendment to the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board Law, significantly reducing the tax imposed on private schools from 15% to 5%. The move is expected to provide financial relief for school owners while easing the burden of rising education costs on parents across the state
The new legislation goes beyond tax reduction by introducing strict regulations on tuition fee increases and examination charges Lawmakers believe the reforms will improve transparency, protect parents from excessive school expenses, and strengthen standards within Kano’s private education sector
The amendment was passed during plenary after thorough consideration by members of the House and is being described as one of the most significant education reforms introduced in the state in recent years
Kano Assembly Approves Tax Reduction for Private Schools
The Kano State House of Assembly passed the amendment during plenary presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Ismail Falgore
Under the new law, taxes and levies imposed on private schools have been reduced from 15 percent to five percent, a decision lawmakers say was necessary because previous tax rates often resulted in increased tuition fees for parents
According to the Assembly, lowering the tax burden is expected to help private school operators manage operating costs without transferring additional expenses to families
New Law Restricts Arbitrary Tuition Fee Increases
The amendment introduces fresh regulations designed to prevent private schools from raising tuition fees without proper consultation
PTA Approval Now Mandatory
Speaking after the plenary, Majority Leader Lawan Husseini explained that private primary and secondary schools can no longer increase school fees unilaterally
Instead, any proposed tuition increase must first be presented to and approved by the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Furthermore, even after approval, the increase cannot exceed 10 percent of the current tuition fee
Lawmakers believe this provision will encourage greater transparency and ensure parents have a voice in decisions affecting education costs
New Cap Introduced on WAEC, NECO and NBAIS Examination Charges
The amended law also addresses concerns over excessive charges imposed on students for external examinations
Private schools are now permitted to charge only an administrative fee of up to 10 percent above the official fees set by examination bodies such as:
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)
- National Examinations Council (NECO)
- National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS)
The Assembly said the measure is intended to prevent schools from making excessive profits from examination registration
Schools Must Follow Government Academic Calendar
Another major provision of the law makes compliance with the state’s approved academic calendar compulsory
All private schools operating in Kano State must now observe government approved resumption dates, school holidays, and other academic schedules
Lawmakers say the policy will promote uniformity across the education sector and improve effective monitoring of schools
New Qualification Requirement for Executive Secretary
The amendment also strengthens leadership requirements for the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board
Under the new law, the Executive Secretary must be:
- A retired or experienced educationist
- A former public servant who attained at least Grade Level 14 to 16
According to the Assembly, the requirement is intended to ensure experienced professionals oversee the regulation of private educational institutions
Why the Amendment Matters
Education stakeholders have long expressed concerns about rising school fees and additional charges in private schools
By reducing taxes, regulating tuition increases, limiting examination mark ups, and enforcing stronger oversight, the Kano State House of Assembly aims to:
- Reduce financial pressure on parents
- Improve accountability among private schools
- Promote transparency in school operations
- Strengthen education regulation across Kano State
If effectively implemented, the reforms could help make private education more affordable while maintaining quality standards
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