Kano Board: 9 Private Schools Face Regulatory Closure

• The Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board temporarily closed nine private schools for failing to meet revalidation and recertification requirements.
• Executive Secretary Baba Umar announced the seven-day closure, warning of legal action for unauthorized reopening.
• The closures are part of an initiative to improve regulation, strengthen data collection, and ensure compliance with educational standards.
• The Board identified 111 schools that allegedly circumvented regulatory procedures, with the nine closed schools failing to comply with directives.
• An updated legal framework, stemming from a 2014 law review by the Kano State House of Assembly, underpins these regulatory actions.

For lawyers advising private schools in Kano, this situation necessitates a thorough review of client procedures to ensure full alignment with the Board's requirements, including those related to fee structures and pupil management, thereby mitigating risks of closure and legal action.

Nine private schools in Kano State have been temporarily shut down by the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board. This action, announced by Executive Secretary Baba Umar on Monday, October 12, 2026, stems from the schools' failure to meet essential revalidation and recertification requirements. Despite receiving multiple notices and directives, these institutions did not regularize their operational status.

The affected establishments include Zayyad Academy, Success International Schools, Sunshine International School, Perfect Schools, Al-Faiq International College, Mainasara International School, Shubla Academy, Darul Muuminat Comprehensive School, and Hanan International School. The closure is set for a period of seven days, commencing from the date of the official announcement. The Board has issued a stern warning that any school attempting to reopen without explicit authorization will face legal repercussions.

This enforcement action is part of a broader revalidation and recertification initiative designed to enhance the oversight of private and voluntary educational institutions across Kano State. The exercise aims to bolster data collection efforts and ensure adherence to established educational standards. Executive Secretary Umar revealed that the Board had identified a total of 111 schools suspected of circumventing regulatory procedures, with the nine now closed being specifically targeted for sanctions due to their non-compliance with revalidation directives.

The legal foundation for these regulatory measures was strengthened following a review by the Kano State House of Assembly of the original law governing the Board, which was first enacted in 2014. This legislative update has provided an enhanced framework for the regulation of private and voluntary institutions, underscoring the state's commitment to Nigeria education regulatory compliance. Furthermore, some of the institutions now facing closure had also disregarded court directives to regularize their operations, indicating a persistent pattern of non-compliance that the Board is determined to address through legal enforcement.

Beyond the immediate closures, the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board has also issued several critical directives to all private school proprietors. A significant warning was issued against arbitrary increases in school fees; any proposed adjustments must first be submitted for approval and can only be implemented at the start of an academic session. This measure seeks to protect parents from unexpected financial burdens.

Additionally, the Board cautioned schools against compelling parents to purchase uniforms, books, and sandals exclusively from school premises, especially when these items are readily available in the open market. Proprietors were also urged to establish properly registered Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and to strictly adhere to approved curricula. The Board further warned against the arbitrary expulsion of pupils without prior notification to their parents, emphasizing fair and transparent pupil management practices.

The recent actions by the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board highlight a firm stance on regulatory compliance within the private education sector. By temporarily closing nine schools and issuing comprehensive directives, the Board is signaling its unwavering commitment to upholding educational standards and ensuring that all private institutions operate within the confines of the law. This move is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the educational system and protecting the interests of students and parents alike.

The emphasis on revalidation, adherence to an updated legal framework, and transparent operational practices underscores the importance of robust Nigeria education regulatory compliance. For lawyers advising private schools in Kano, this situation necessitates a thorough review of client procedures to ensure full alignment with the Board's requirements, including those related to fee structures and pupil management, thereby mitigating risks of closure and legal action. The Board's appeal for cooperation from proprietors, emphasizing its role in promoting quality education and resolving disputes amicably, reinforces the collaborative yet firm approach to regulation.

Lawyers advising private schools in Kano must ensure clients comply with the updated regulatory framework and revalidation requirements to avoid closure and legal action; compliance officers should review internal procedures against the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board's directives, including those on fee increases and pupil management.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH