In Nigeria, private schools have long been seen as a beacon of quality education, filling gaps left by overstretched public institutions.
But in recent times, their conduct has sparked deep concern among parents and policymakers.
Complaints range from exorbitant tuition fees to exploitative demands for graduation parties, costly uniforms, and compulsory levies.
Across several states, governments are now stepping in to curb excesses.
KSPVIB PCACC Clamps Down On illegal Private Schools-Umar
Abia State was among the first to ban graduation parties and related expenses, citing the financial strain on parents.
In Kano, the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board (KSPVIB) is at the forefront of similar reforms, under the leadership of Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar.
The KSPVIB has outlawed a series of charges that had become common in private schools, including speech and prize-giving day fees, development levies, and security charges.
The executive secretary of the Comrade Baba Umar, who doubles as Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Private and Voluntary Institutions, stressed that schools must not monopolize the sale of textbooks and uniforms, except in cases where such materials are unavailable in the open market.
KSPVIB to Monitor Private Schools for Quality Assurance
According to him, the board has also introduced a structured process for approving school fee increases, these include,Mandatory Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meetings attended by board representatives.
“Aleast two-thirds approval by parents,final approval from the state government before implementation among others”
According to Umar, six schools have been taken to court, with more facing potential sanctions as the board intensifies monitoring.
Beyond parents, teachers in some private schools also face unfair treatment.
Reports of graduate teachers being paid as little as ₦20,000 monthly drew sharp condemnation from the board.
“We will not tolerate exploitation of teachers,”
Umar declared, insisting that fair wages are central to raising education standards in Kano.
While the reforms have been welcomed by many parents, reports indicate that some school proprietors are yet to fully comply with the board’s directives.
This has raised concerns over enforcement and the need for stricter monitoring to ensure that all private institutions align with the government’s education policies.
The representative of Lufaloy Schools Kano, Abdulqadir Abubakar, explained that the institution did not breach the directives issued by the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board (KSPVIB) on the criteria guiding school fees increments.
Also speaking, the Principal of Ahmadiyya College, Ibrahim Ayya, emphasized that no school is expected to operate illegally.
He noted that the board has been lenient in enforcing its policies, particularly regarding the remittance of 10% tuition fees to KSPVIB in line with existing tax laws.
For parents, the reforms bring relief from financial pressure. For teachers, there is hope for improved welfare.
For school owners, however, the new policies may force a rethink of their financial models.
Education in Nigeria faces a paradox: while private schools often deliver higher quality than their public counterparts, their profit-driven practices sometimes deepen inequality.
Experts are of the view that, Kano’s move to regulate the sector reflects a growing recognition that education must balance quality with accessibility.
As the state pushes forward with these reforms, the big question remains: will other states follow suit, and can Nigeria find a sustainable balance between private investment and public responsibility in education?