Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The government has introduced new guidelines for fee increment. 

Kano State Government has prohibited private and voluntary schools from arbitrarily increasing fees and forcing parents to purchase materials directly from the schools.

KANO FOCUS reports that Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institution’s Board( KSPVIB,) Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar, gave the warning in an interview with journalists.

The Executive Secretary said 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.

According to him, “Schools must convene a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to discuss any fee increments”.

He also stated that school must then write to the board seeking approval for the increase, attaching the attendance sheet from the PTA meeting.

He added that”At least two-thirds of parents must be present at the PTA meeting”

Comrade Abubakar dated that, the board has received 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 however maintained that the board is committed to ensuring that schools provide safe learning environments and employ qualified teachers.

“Parents are encouraged to report any schools with substandard teaching or unsafe conditions”

Comrade Abubakar emphasised that, new census forms will be distributed to private and voluntary schools to ensure accurate data collection and effective monitoring. Saying that the board remains open to dialogue and discussions with schools willing to comply with the law.

He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to education, allocating 30% of the state’s budget to the sector and declaring a state of emergency.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that two people have died and two others were injured following the collapse of a two-storey building in Noman’s Land, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano.

KANO FOCUS reports that the NEMA Coordinator, Kano Territorial Officer, Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, said the agency received a distress call around 2:00 a.m. from a Good Samaritan about the building collapse.

Dr. Abdullahi stated, “The agency received a distress call today at about 2:00 a.m. from a Good Samaritan that a two-storey building collapsed in Noman’s Land Quarters, Kano.”

He further said, “Upon receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our rescue team to the scene.”

Dr. Abdullahi added, “Four persons were rescued by our team—a husband, wife, and two children. Unfortunately, the two children were confirmed dead, while the couple were rushed to the Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano, for treatment.”

The NEMA Coordinator also noted that search and rescue operations were still ongoing to find any persons trapped in the building.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, has called for collective action to address the escalating crises plaguing the region.

KANO FOCUS reports that Dalhatu argued that leaders of the region needed to come together and confront the challenges threatening the north.

He disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of ACF in Kaduna,

“We are here today because our region is facing unprecedented challenges. Insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation, corruption, and the undermining of traditional institutions are threatening our very existence,” he said.

He emphasised that the meeting was not about politics or partisanship, but about finding solutions to the region’s problems,

On the issue of constitution review and restructuring, Dalhatu stated, “We are not afraid of change. We are ready to consider proposals that promote our legitimate interests. But we will not be dictated to. We will not be marginalized

“Going by the pronouncements and actions of some officials of the Federal Government especially given recent pressures coming from some self-serving groups, the presidency may not be averse to making a similar attempt at an unnecessary constitution review before the end of their tenure.

“Whether or not the federal government sponsors one or more exercises at constitutional review, it is necessary to dispel the impression that the North is shy, or is averse to or afraid of any review of the Nigerian Constitution.
Nothing can be further from the truth.

“We must put all and sundry on notice that the North is ready, now and in the future, and will be willing to consider any proposals for changing the constitution as well as the administrative structure of Nigeria that may be put on the table. If and when the occasion arises, the North will surely use whatever is available to it in pursuit of its legitimate interests.”

Emphasising the need for unity and collective action, the BoT chairman noted that, “We are stronger together. Let us work together to build a brighter future for the North.”

Dalhatu identified the need to revitalize and re-strategize the ACF as a key priority.

On corruption, Dalhatu declared corruption as the most significant threat to Nigeria’s peace, security, and development.

He emphasized that corruption was a pervasive menace that affected all levels of society, both within and outside government offices, leading to bad governance and a multitude of evils.

Speaking further, the chairman noted that the organization was grappling with a multitude of challenges that threatened its existence, saying that the ACF has failed for not protecting the region’s interest.

He expressed concern over the proliferation of groups duplicating the ACF’s functions and mandate which has further eroded its influence.