Kano suspends 10% tax on private schools pending assessment

The Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board (KSPVIB) has directed all private and voluntary educational institutions in the state to suspend payment of the statutory 10 per cent tax for the 2026/2027 academic session until a fresh assessment is conducted.

The directive was contained in a circular dated August 1, 2026, signed by the Director of Special Duties, Mustapha Badawi Yahya, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of KSPVIB.

According to the board, the current assessment for the tax expired at the end of the third term of the 2025/2026 academic session on July 31, 2026.

KSPVIB said the existing assessment no longer reflects actual student enrolment in many schools, adding that while some institutions recorded significant increases, others experienced a decline.

“Consequently, the existing assessments can no longer serve as a fair and accurate basis for the computation of the statutory 10 per cent tax for the 2026/2027 Academic Session,” the circular stated.

To ensure transparency, fairness, equity and compliance with the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board Law, the board said it will embark on a comprehensive data collection, audit and verification of student enrolment in all private and voluntary schools when schools resume.

The outcome of the exercise will form the basis for issuing new assessment notices to all accredited and verified schools under the board.

Accordingly, the board directed that no private or voluntary educational institution should proceed with payment of the statutory 10 per cent tax for the first term of the 2026/2027 academic session until a new assessment notice is issued.

The directive comes weeks after the board announced the expiration of operating licences issued to private and voluntary educational institutions across the state. A new licensing cycle is expected to commence in September 2026.