Kano Assembly Passes Bill to Limit Private School Fee Increases, Boost Children’s Access to Education
The Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed after its third reading during plenary on Monday. The bill is now awaiting the assent of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Under the proposed law, private primary and secondary schools would be required to consult their Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) before increasing tuition fees. If an approved increase is made, it cannot be more than 10 per cent of the current tuition fees.
The bill also recommends that private schools not impose fees higher than 10 per cent above the fees officially set by examination bodies such as the West African Examinations Council, National Examinations Council and the National Board for Technical Education.
A child rights lens could be used to consider how to limit the rate of school fee increases to minimise financial barriers to children staying in school. The high cost of fees can be a burden on families and can lead to school disruptions.
The bill also aims to enhance the regulation of private schools. It suggests that the Executive Secretary of the Private and Voluntary Institutions Board be a retired or experienced education professional with at least Grade Level 14 in the public service.
The bill also lowers the statutory fees that private schools pay the board from 15 per cent to five per cent.
According to Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini, the reforms are aimed at enhancing the administration of private schools and improving the standard of education in Kano State, which may also help to promote children’s right to education and development.
