The Kano State Private and Voluntary Schools Management Board (KSPVSMB) has commenced a revalidation and recertification exercise for all private and voluntary educational institutions.

The executive secretary of KSPVSMB, Baba Abubakar-Umar, announced on Monday that the board would temporarily close non-compliant schools to update records, enforce relevant laws and address operational irregularities.

Mr Abubakar-Umar said free registration forms had been distributed to school proprietors to facilitate data collection, noting that the continuous exercise follows a revised regulatory law reviewed by the Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by the state governor in August.

He urged proprietors to obtain copies of the revised law to familiarise themselves with its provisions.

The board explicitly warned against arbitrary fee hikes, stating that any increases must receive prior approval and take effect only at the beginning of an academic session.

“Furthermore, schools are prohibited from forcing parents to purchase books, uniforms or sandals exclusively from them if those items are available in the open market.

“The board further urged schools to establish registered Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), strictly follow the approved curriculum and refrain from arbitrarily expelling pupils over disputes with parents,” he said.

While urging parents to pay fees promptly to enable schools to meet their operational costs, the executive secretary assured compliant institutions of the board’s support and urged proprietors to report any corrupt officials for immediate investigation and sanctions.

(NAN)