By Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi

KAYI Microfinance Bank is at the forefront of expanding digital financial services to underbanked communities in Northern Nigeria, particularly through its Grassroots Engagement and Empowerment Programme. By focusing on Tsangaya (Almajiri) schools, which traditionally provide Islamic education but often struggle financially, the bank offers a model that fuses financial literacy, technological tools, and community-based enterprise. This practical approach to financial inclusion aims to unlock the economic potential of marginalized populations while respecting local traditions and educational structures.
Central to this model is the provision of a five-million-naira grant package for each participating Tsangaya school. This funding covers the cost of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and training in both financial literacy and business management. As a result, each school can establish and operate a cash point business, enabling nearby residents to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds without traveling long distances. By fostering these local “banking hubs,” the programme not only mitigates logistical barriers but also encourages a culture of savings and financial responsibility in areas previously overlooked by formal financial institutions.

KAYI Microfinance Bank’s strategy goes beyond hardware distribution. Its training modules equip school leaders, students, and administrators with critical skills in accounting, customer service, and entrepreneurial management. Over time, these Tsangaya schools transition into community-driven economic centers, helping their communities diversify income streams and reduce street begging. By integrating business principles into the educational framework, the programme cultivates an environment where students can learn practical finance skills alongside religious teachings, bridging the gap between education and enterprise.

Leadership at KAYI Microfinance Bank has played a key role in steering this initiative. Chaired by Alhaji Saadina Hamidu Dantata, the bank’s direction underscores a broader, institution-wide commitment to community development rather than mere profit-making. Government agencies and local policymakers also stand to bolster the programme’s reach by providing regulatory support, subsidies, or policy frameworks that encourage replication in additional locations. Such collaborations could accelerate the pace of financial inclusion and economic growth across the region.

Looking ahead, KAYI Microfinance Bank remains focused on refining its Grassroots Engagement and Empowerment Programme. The goal is to replicate and scale up the model, ensuring that more remote communities in Northern Nigeria can enjoy consistent access to financial services, training, and technology. With education and enterprise working hand in hand, the initiative highlights how inclusive financial strategies—rooted in local culture and community involvement—can fuel sustainable development for generations to come.

Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi writes from Kano and he can be reached via alhassanelkanawi@gmail.com

By Rabiu Alhasan Elkanawi

KAYI Microfinance Bank has unveiled a groundbreaking digital financial inclusion program focused on Tsangaya Schools (commonly known as Almajiri schools) in Northern Nigeria. This visionary initiative is designed to bridge the gap between underserved communities and the digital banking system, thereby fostering economic growth and societal development. By targeting these non-formal learning centers, the bank aims to uplift remote communities where many residents have long struggled to access essential financial services.
Northern Nigeria has traditionally faced significant hurdles in achieving comprehensive financial inclusion. Vast distances, poor banking infrastructure, and a lack of trust in formal financial institutions often discourage many people from engaging with banks. Recognizing these challenges, KAYI Microfinance Bank is piloting a model that trains and equips Tsangaya schools starting with four states—Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Jigawa—to serve as community champions for digital financial access.

Under this initiative, each participating Tsangaya school receives a robust package valued at five million Naira, comprising comprehensive business management and financial literacy training, POS device and startup funds. By bringing deposit, withdrawal, and fund transfer services closer to the grassroots, the program significantly reduces the physical distance many have to travel to conduct everyday transactions. This localized approach not only boosts trust in formal banking but also enhances local economies by circulating money within the community.

A hallmark of this program is its strong emphasis on education and empowerment. KAYI Microfinance Bank collaborates with malams (teachers and overseers of Tsangaya schools) and their students (almajirai) to ensure they acquire relevant skills in financial literacy, business management, and customer service. Rather than simply providing technology, the bank invests in the human capacity necessary to maintain and grow these new cash point businesses. Over time, Tsangaya schools become pivotal economic hubs in their neighborhoods, directly addressing issues such as street begging by offering pathways to self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

What sets KAYI’s effort apart from other financial inclusion drives is its clear focus on integrating community development with formal financial systems. By rooting its training programs in the cultural and educational fabric of Tsangaya schools, KAYI fosters a spirit of ownership among participants. Almajirai and malams, who once had limited exposure to modern banking, now find themselves operating as financial intermediaries. Their schools become not just places of learning, but also platforms for sustainable business ventures that transform their local communities.

The success of this laudable initiative, also relies on support from policymakers and government agencies. Government can amplify the program’s reach by providing subsidies and interventions through this grassroots program. This will help replicate and scale this model across other parts of Northern Nigeria.
KAYI Microfinance Bank’s approach offers a powerful template for bridging the gap between remote communities and the wider financial ecosystem. By merging technology, education, and cultural sensitivity, the bank is forging a pathway for inclusive economic participation, one that could reshape the socio-economic landscape of Northern Nigeria. Rural dwellers, who once had little or no access to formal banking, can now save money safely, receive funds without traveling long distances, and even invest in small enterprises.

As the project evolves, it promises to be a catalyst for reducing poverty, curtailing unemployment, and spurring local entrepreneurship. By presenting Tsangaya schools as models, KAYI is demonstrating that even the most marginalized communities can embrace innovative financial solutions when they are carefully tailored to their unique needs. This marks a new chapter for Northern Nigeria, where financial inclusion is no longer a distant aspiration but an attainable reality—one that holds the promise of a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi writes from Kano and he can be reached via alhassanelkanawi@gmail.com

By Zaharaddeen Yakubu Shuaibu

Fifteen outstanding legislative activities, cutting across major spheres of the country’s socio-economic landscape have placed the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Inuwa Jibrin on the front burner in 2024.

His contributions spanned several key areas, including bill sponsorship, infrastructure development, empowerment initiatives, and scholarship programs from January to December 2024.

* Foreign PG scholarship to 70 students
In reverse order, the Deputy President of the Senate sponsored 70 students selected from the three senatorial districts of Kano State to pursue postgraduate studies in AI, Cybersecurity, and Forensic Science, among others, in India.

The beneficiaries, who departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA on Sunday, December 29th, are now in universities in India pursuing their studies in various ICT-related fields.

* Top bills sponsorship in Senate

Among the 109 senators in the country, Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, topped the bills sponsorship chart at the Upper Chamber.

Tallying the figure from the Rules and Business Committee of the Senate, the
members of the Senate Press Corps, the umbrella body of all journalists covering the Senate, presented the Deputy President of the Senate with the “Highest Development-Driven Bills Award.”

Chairman of the corps, Mr James Itodo, said that based on their analysis of bill sponsorship from June 13, 2023, when the 10th Assembly was inaugurated to December, 2024, their record showed that Senator Barau topped the bill sponsorship chart of the parliament.

* 1,000 Motorcycles to Kano Police Command

To enhance policing across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Senator Barau facilitated 1,000 motorcycles to the Kano State Police Command.

The official handover ceremony took place at the Bompai Police Headquarters, and jubilant celebrations were held among the officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force on October 23rd, 2024.

* Splashing of motorcycles to players, officials of Barau FC

Following their promotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL), Senator Barau distributed motorcycles to the players and officials of his football club, Barau FC; in October, he splashed motorcycles to the players and officials as part of their rewards. This is in addition to the monetary bonuses awarded to the team.

* Renaming of Federal University of Education to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano

Senator Barau’s bill for the renaming of the Federal University of Education to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano has scaled through the first reading.

The renaming was in recognition of the contribution of the late elder statesman and diplomat to the development of Kano, the North and the country in general.

* Senate Constitution Review Committee Retreat in Kano

Senator Barau, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led Senators and other stakeholders of the Committee to a retreat in Kano State. This significant gathering brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on critical amendments that will shape the nation’s future.

In his address, Senator Barau emphasised the importance of aligning the constitution with the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians, assuring that the task is to consider and recommend changes that will advance freedom, equality and justice for all while ensuring that our Constitution remains a robust framework that unites us as a people

* NWDC bill assent by Mr President

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, will remain a historic and unforgettable day in the history of Senator Barau’s political life and, indeed, the entire people of the seven states in the North West geopolitical zone. It was the day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appended his signature to the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill, making it an Act.

NWDC was established to address the developmental challenges in the Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and the seven North West states. Already, N585.9bn has been proposed for the commission’s takeoff in the 2025 budget proposal presented at the joint session of the National Assembly on December 18 by President Tinubu.

* 69 trucks of fertiliser to Kano farmers

One of the things that led to the bumper harvest recorded in Kano State in the last farming season was the distribution of 69 trucks of fertiliser to farmers across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State.

Irrespective of political differences, senatorial districts, and other affiliations, Senator Barau distributed 41,400 bags of fertiliser to local farmers.

* Defection galore rocks NNPP

The gale of defection rocking the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State started on July 26th with Muttaka Balarabe Tuta, who dumped the red cap movement courtesy of Senator Barau.

From then on, hundreds of top shots, leaders, and prominent members of the NNPP have been thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya movement in Kano State. The development has given sleepless nights to the national leader of the party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

* When ECOWAS Parliament relocated to Kano

In April, the ECOWAS Parliament, comprising lawmakers from 15 African countries, relocated to Kano, the centre of Commerce, for almost a week. It was the second extraordinary session of the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Parliamentarians from 12 African countries attended the session courtesy of the Deputy President of the Senate, who acted as the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament for months.

* Launching of Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) with 107 busses

In April, Senator Barau launched the Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) to boost commercial activities in Kano North Senatorial District, Kano State and North.

* Rice to over 200,000 households in Kano

In his efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardships and assist the masses, the Deputy President of the Senate distributes rice to over 200,000 households during the year under review.

The gesture was shared across all groups of people within the three senatorial districts of the state, including clerics, party members, security agencies, and his constituents, among other groups.

* Shining star at international parliament scene

The Deputy President of the Senate participated in the 18th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation – Parliamentary Union (OIC-PUIC) Member States in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The conference convened to address the critical issue of climate change under the theme “Climate change in the world: How do union members confront it?” This gathering was a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together representatives from the 57 Member States of the OIC-PUIC.

* Honourary Doctorate Degree by BUK

The Bayero University Kano (BUK) conferred honourary doctorate degrees on the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in recognition of his contributions to education and youth development.

The ceremony was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the grand finale of the 38th convocation of the university at the New Campus of the institution, Gwarzo Road, Kano.

* Bichi gets Immigration Training School

Senator Barau also facilitated the establishment of a state-of-the-art Training School of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Bichi, Kano North, which will significantly bolster the nation’s security, on January 11, 2024.
This initiative underscores Senator Barau’s dedication to equipping NIS personnel with top-notch facilities for comprehensive training and retraining.
Similarly, Gwarzo, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa, and Gabasawa are to get FUDMA study centres in line with Senator Barau’s vision to take university education to the doorsteps of his constituents.

These activities have endeared the Deputy President of the Senate to all stakeholders in Kano State, the North and across the country.

Shuaibu is the Personal Assistant to the Deputy President of the Senate on Print Media.