Sani Kamaluddeen Shawai was born on 13 March 1978 in Dawakin Tofa, Kano State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Sabon Gari, Dawaki, where he developed a strong curiosity for storytelling, communication and community service—values that would later become central to his career in journalism, broadcasting and public relations.
Education and Professional Development
Sani’s academic journey reflects a combination of strong local foundations and international exposure. Although he began his academic career with a science background, his passion for society, communication and human development eventually led him to the social sciences and media.
He began his primary 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.
In 1997, he obtained his IJMB from Kano State College of Arts and Science. He subsequently proceeded to Bayero University, Kano, where he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Sociology. His academic training in sociology provided him with a deeper understanding of society, culture, human behaviour and social relationships—knowledge that has complemented his professional work in journalism and public communication.
Determined to broaden his expertise in media and communication, Sani undertook several professional and international training programmes. These include training at the Goethe-Institut, Lagos, in 2006; Compass International, Stuttgart, Germany, in 2008; and DW Radio, Bonn, Germany.
He has also obtained professional certifications and participated in specialised programmes in areas including:
– Digital Journalism — Reuters
– Radio Journalism — DW 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 at Starcomms Telecommunications, Kano, where he worked in the Customer Relations Unit. His growing passion for media and public communication soon led him into journalism and broadcasting.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, he demonstrated leadership and organisational skills, serving as President of the NYSC Community Development Service and later as Assistant Secretary-General and Editor-in-Chief of the NYSC Coppers Association of Nigeria between 2005 and 2006. In Adamawa State, he also served as State Coordinator of the NYSC Coppers 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 interacted with senior government officials and other key stakeholders.
His professional journey 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. At DW, he produced and edited content for Hausa-speaking audiences around the world, working with journalists and media professionals across Africa and Europe and helping bring Nigerian and African stories to an international audience.
From 2019 to 2022, Sani served as Public Awareness Officer at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). In that role, he was involved in public relations and communication activities covering millions of electricity consumers. He strengthened media relations and developed public awareness initiatives through radio broadcasting and community engagement, helping improve communication between the utility company and its customers.
Leadership at Tambarin Hausa International TV
In 2022, Sani assumed one of the most prominent positions of his career as General Manager of Tambarin Hausa International TV (TTV), a Kano-based international Hausa-language television station.
Under his leadership, the station has continued to develop its programming, strengthen its editorial operations and expand its digital presence, enabling it to connect with Hausa-speaking audiences across Nigeria and the diaspora.
His leadership combines newsroom experience, broadcast management, public relations expertise and a strong understanding of Hausa-language media and its audiences.
A Journalist of National and International Reach
Beyond his managerial responsibilities, Sani remains an active journalist and interviewer with extensive experience engaging prominent personalities and public figures.
On 30 October 2022, he conducted an exclusive one-hour interview with the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, alongside veteran journalist Malam Halilu Getso. The interview represented a significant milestone in his broadcasting career.
Throughout his career, Sani has interviewed and engaged with governors, ministers, traditional rulers, business leaders, development professionals and other influential figures. His work has given him extensive experience in political, social, economic and developmental reporting.
International Fellowships and Professional Affiliations
Sani’s professional achievements have earned him international exposure and recognition. He is an alumnus of the Cross Culture Programme (CCP) of the German Federal Foreign Office and the Nieman Journalism Lab at Harvard University, Cambridge.
He is also a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and continues to contribute to the development of journalism, broadcasting and public communication.
Public Service and Legislative Communication
In December 2023, Sani Kamaluddeen Shawai was appointed by the Kano State Government, under the administration of His Excellency, Engr. 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.
He currently serves in that capacity, bringing to the role more than two decades of experience spanning journalism, broadcasting, public relations, multimedia communication, media management and public service.
With a career built across Nigeria and Germany, Sani Kamaluddeen Shawai represents a blend of professional journalism, international media exposure, strategic communication and public service—qualities that continue to define his contribution to the media and communication industry.
