Headlines
Almajirai become financial operators, as Kayi Microfinance Bank drives financial inclusion in Northern Nigeria
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
KAYI Microfinance Bank has launched a pioneering digital financial inclusion programme designed specifically for Tsangaya Schools (often referred to as Almajiri schools) in Northern Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that this forward-looking scheme aims to bring underserved communities into the digital banking fold, thereby facilitating economic empowerment and social advancement.
By focusing on these informal learning centers, the bank addresses the financial needs of remote populations that have historically found it difficult to access banking services.
Northern Nigeria has long grappled with serious obstacles to widespread financial inclusion. Geography, weak banking infrastructure, and skepticism toward formal financial establishments often deter community members from engaging with traditional banks.
To tackle these hurdles, KAYI Microfinance Bank has rolled out a pilot project in four states—Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Jigawa—equipping Tsangaya schools with the training and resources needed to become local champions of digital financial access.
Each participating Tsangaya school receives a comprehensive support package valued at five million naira, which includes extensive training in business management and financial literacy, a POS device, and seed funding. By making it easier for rural residents to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds right in their neighborhoods, the programme eliminates the need for long-distance travel.
This localized banking model not only increases community trust in formal financial services but also stimulates local economic activity by keeping more money in circulation within these areas.
A key element of the programme is its focus on education and capacity-building. Through collaboration with malams (teachers or overseers) and their students (almajirai), KAYI ensures that essential skills in financial literacy, business management, and customer service are developed at the grassroots. Rather than simply handing out technology, the bank prioritizes the knowledge and skills necessary to sustain and expand these new cash point businesses.
Over time, Tsangaya schools evolve into essential economic hubs in their communities, offering viable alternatives to street begging through entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
KAYI Microfinance Bank sets itself apart by weaving community development into formal financial systems. By integrating its training initiatives with the cultural and educational practices of Tsangaya schools, the bank nurtures a sense of ownership among local participants. Almajirai and malams, previously unfamiliar with modern banking structures, now serve as key financial intermediaries. Their schools become not just centers of Islamic education, but also launching pads for business ventures that uplift entire neighborhoods.
The overarching impact of this initiative will depend significantly on the involvement of policymakers and government agencies. By offering subsidies or other supportive measures through these grassroots-level programmes, government authorities can extend the reach of this successful model to more states in Northern Nigeria.
By blending technology, targeted education, and a deep respect for cultural values, KAYI Microfinance Bank provides a compelling framework for linking rural populations with broader financial systems. Rural dwellers who lacked access to formal banking services now have opportunities to save securely, receive funds quickly, and potentially invest in small enterprises. These transformative changes are expected to help reduce poverty, combat unemployment, and spark local entrepreneurship.
By spotlighting Tsangaya schools as operational examples, KAYI underscores the fact that even the most marginalized communities can adopt forward-thinking financial strategies when they align with local realities. The result marks a new era for Northern Nigeria, where financial inclusion is evolving from a distant goal into a realistic, tangible process—one that holds the promise of lasting prosperity and equity for countless individuals.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.
“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.
“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.
Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.
Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
Kwankwaso: The Northern Titan Tinubu Needs for 2027
Namadi Sambo commends Gov. Yusuf for declaring state of emergency on education
Northern Nigeria’s Crossroads to Renewal
AGILE Kano takes awareness campaign on Gender-Based Violence to schools
PLANE partners Kano govt to develop MTSS for education sector
NDLEA Kano uses Dambe to combat drug abuse
Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf
UNICEF asks Kano to declare state of emergency on polio
Kano Govt declares Thursday public holiday for Islamic new year
