The Kano State Government has revealed that it has prohibited private and voluntary schools from arbitrarily increasing school fees and forcing parents to purchase materials directly from the schools.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institution’s Board (KSPVIB), Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar, during a press conference ahead of school resumption.
He explained that the board also learned that some schools have been taking advantage of parents through hidden charges and exorbitant fees.
He said to address this issue, the board has introduced new guidelines to regulate the conduct of schools under its mandate.
“Schools must convene a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to discuss any fee increments and the school must then write to the board seeking approval for the increase, attaching the attendance sheet from the PTA meeting. Moreover, at least two-thirdsof parents must be present at the PTA meeting,” he said.
He added that the board has received several complaints from parents who were charged excessive fees or amounts different from what was initially agreed upon.
He, therefore, disclosed that despite the current economic situation, schools must be realistic and fair in their charges.
“The board will work with relevant authorities to prosecute schools that operate illegally or evade taxes,” he concluded.
