Sani Kamaluddeen Shawai was born on 13 March 1978 in Dawakin Tofa, Kano State, Nigeria. Raised in Sabon Gari, Dawaki, he developed an early passion for storytelling, communication and community service—values that have continued to define his career in journalism, broadcasting and public relations.
Academic and Professional Development
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Sani began his education at Dawakin Tofa Special Primary School in 1989 and later attended Unity College, Karaye, through an exchange programme.
He completed his secondary education at Science Secondary School, Dawakin Kudu, in 1995 before proceeding to Kano State College of Arts and Science Studies, where he obtained his IJMB in 1997.
In 2005, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Bayero University, Kano.
His academic background in sociology strengthened his understanding of society, culture, human behaviour and community dynamics, providing a strong foundation for his subsequent career in media and public relations.
Sani has undertaken extensive professional training both in Nigeria and abroad. His international and professional development includes programmes at the Goethe-Institut, Lagos, Compass International, Stuttgart, Germany, and Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany.
He has also obtained professional certifications and training in:
– Digital Journalism — Reuters
– Radio Journalism — Deutsche Welle, Bonn
– Media and International Cultural Dialogue — Berlin, Germany
– Intercultural Management — Stuttgart, Germany
– Basic Content Production — Lagos, 2019
– Foundations of Radio Journalism — Bonn, 2016
– Effective Communication and Presentation — Multimedia International Ltd., Lagos, 2019
– Enhancing the Capacity of Legislative Aides for Effective Service Delivery — Ultimate Synergy Solutions, 2024
– Mastering Legislative Reporting: Accuracy and Context — Jibal Communication Ltd., 2026
A Career Built on Impact
Sani began his professional career in 2004 with Starcomms Telecommunications, Kano, where he worked in the Customer Relations Unit. His growing interest in communication and media soon led him into journalism and broadcasting.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, he distinguished himself through leadership and community service.
He served as President of the NYSC Community Development Service and later as Assistant Secretary-General and Editor-in-Chief of the NYSC Corps Members Association of Nigeria in 2005–2006.
In Adamawa State, he also served as State Coordinator of the NYSC Corps Forum, where he coordinated welfare and development initiatives for corps members.
In 2007, Sani joined the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Lagos and Abuja as a Producer and Editor. In that capacity, he produced national programmes and engaged with senior government officials and other prominent stakeholders.
His career subsequently took him to Deutsche Welle (DW) Radio in Bonn, Germany, where he worked in multimedia broadcasting from 2008 and later served as an Editor from 2015.
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At DW, he produced and edited content for Hausa-speaking audiences globally, collaborating with journalists across Africa and Europe and helping bring Nigerian and African stories to an international audience.
Between 2019 and 2022, Sani served as Public Awareness Officer at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), where he was involved in public relations and communication initiatives serving more than three million customers.
He managed media relations and public awareness campaigns through radio broadcasting and community engagement, contributing to improved communication between the utility and its customers.
In 2022, he became General Manager of Tambarin Hausa International TV (TTV), an international Hausa-language television station based in Kano.
Under his leadership, the station strengthened its programming, editorial standards and digital presence, expanding its reach among Hausa-speaking audiences in Nigeria and the diaspora.
A Journalist of National and International Reach
Beyond his managerial responsibilities, Sani remains an experienced journalist and broadcaster with extensive access to prominent public figures and institutions.
On 30 October 2022, he conducted an exclusive one-hour interview with former President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside veteran journalist Malam Halilu Getso. The interview represented one of the notable moments in his broadcasting career.
Over the years, Sani has interviewed governors, ministers, traditional rulers, business leaders, development practitioners and other influential personalities, covering issues of governance, development, society and public policy.
Fellowships and Professional Recognition
Sani is an alumnus of the Cross Culture Programme (CCP) of the German Foreign Office and the Nieman Journalism Lab at Harvard University, Cambridge.
He is also a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and has continued to pursue professional development in journalism, strategic communication, legislative reporting, multimedia production and public relations.
Public Service and Legislative Communication
In December 2023, Sani Kamaluddeen Shawai was appointed by the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State House of Assembly and Official Spokesperson to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore.
In this capacity, he is responsible for strategic communication, media relations and public information management for the Kano State House of Assembly and the Office of the Speaker.
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His professional journey reflects more than two decades of experience spanning journalism, broadcasting, multimedia production, public relations, strategic communication, public awareness and legislative reporting.
Through his work across national and international media platforms, corporate communication and public institutions, Sani Kamaluddeen Shawai has built a reputation as a media professional committed to effective communication, professional journalism and public service.