Kano — Kano State Task Force on Private Schools, Wednesday, said it has concluded plans to close down over 2,000 illegal private schools and colleges operating across the state.

Chairman of the Task Force, Alhaji Baba Umar, told reporters that the step became imperative following the failure of proprietors of such schools to conform with laid down rules and regulations in the state.

Umar said: "Majority of the 3,500 private schools and colleges operating across the state are illegal; no formal registration with government and over 2,000 of the affected schools operate below the benchmark set by government."

He further noted that this was happening in spite of substantial investments by Governor Musa Kwankwaso's administration in the education sector, describing the situation as unacceptable.