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Kaduna Business School

Dr. Dahiru Sani, PhD, ACS, PBDSP

Contact Information

Kaduna Business School
17 Gobarau Road, U-Rimi, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Phone: +234 8065879967
Email: dahiru.sani@kbs.edu.ng
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drdahirusani

Dr. Dahiru Sani, PhD, ACS, PBDSP

Researcher | Strategic Advisor | Business Development, Economic Policy, and Capacity Building Expert

Professional Summary

Dr. Dahiru Sani is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in economic policy, strategic advisory, and capacity building across Africa. A thought leader in futures studies, scenario planning, and strategic foresight, he has successfully designed and executed transformative programs that drive sustainable economic growth, financial inclusion, and institutional reform.

As the Founder & Rector of Kaduna Business School (KBS), Dr. Sani has played a pivotal role in shaping executive education and policy development in Nigeria, impacting over 10,000 professionals and executives. His leadership has influenced national policies on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and public sector efficiency, working with global organizations such as the World Bank, DFID, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Georgetown University Global Health Program.

A fluent communicator in English and French, Dr. Sani collaborates effectively with international agencies, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders to drive impactful policy reforms and business development initiatives. His expertise in capacity development, economic strategy, and stakeholder engagement has positioned him as a key contributor to major initiatives, including Nigeria’s Youth Futures Forum, Total Renewable Energies Strategic Outlook, and Kaduna’s Fiscal Strategy Framework.

With a proven track record in designing high-impact executive training, Dr. Sani has mentored senior executives at Total Energies Limited and led strategic foresight sessions for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, shaping energy policy reforms. His research-driven approach enables organizations to navigate complex socio-economic challenges with innovative and scalable solutions.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Development Finance (Dissertation Stage)
    Institute of Capital Market Studies, Nasarawa State University, Nigeria, 2020 – Present
  • Ph.D. in Finance
    SMC – Universidad Central De Nicaragua (UCN), 2014
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, 1997
  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Business Administration
    Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, 1991

Core Competencies

  • Executive Leadership & Business Development Strategy – Designing and implementing transformative business models and economic policies.
  • Economic Policy & Fiscal Strategy – Developing sustainable fiscal frameworks for public and private sector growth.
  • Futures Studies & Scenario Planning – Leveraging foresight methodologies to shape resilient policies.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Strengthening – Building partnerships with governments, academia, and international organizations.
  • Capacity Building & Training Program Design – Delivering impactful executive education and skill development programs.

Key Achievements & Project Experience

Strategic Advisory & Policy Impact

  • Strategic Futures Outlook for Total Renewable Energies Limited (TREN) – 2024
    Led a high-impact scenario planning and environmental analysis initiative that aligned TREN’s corporate strategy with long-term global sustainability goals.
  • Nigerian Youth Futures Forum – 2022 (Federal Government of Nigeria & Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
    Designed a youth empowerment strategy, directly shaping national policies on youth economic participation and skills development.
  • Fiscal Strategy Framework – Government of Kaduna State, 2017
    Developed a data-driven fiscal framework that improved budget efficiency, enhanced revenue generation, and strengthened financial transparency.
  • Futures Retreat and Strategy Development – Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, 2021-2023
    Facilitated workshops that informed three-year strategic plans, enhancing regulatory stability and governance in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Executive Training & Leadership Development

  • Leadership Mentor & Executive Coach – Total Energies Limited (2016 – Present)
    • Designed training programs on emotional intelligence, strategic resilience, and leadership transitions for senior executives.
    • Mentored C-level executives on post-retirement transition strategies, enabling sustainable leadership continuity.
  • National Business Development Service Provider (BDSP) Framework – UK DFID GEMS 3 Project, 2014-2016
    Spearheaded the development of Nigeria’s BDSP accreditation framework, increasing entrepreneurship support and access to business development services.

Research & Thought Leadership

  • The Role of Banks in Supporting SMEs – Ph.D. Dissertation, 2014
    Pioneered research that shaped banking policies to enhance SME financing and economic growth in emerging markets.
  • Kaduna Agricultural Investment Plan – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2019-2020
    Designed investment policies that boosted agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economic resilience.
  • Feasibility Study for Online Recycling Platform – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 2020-2021
    Conducted market analysis and feasibility assessments for sustainable waste management solutions in Abuja.

Executive Experience

  • Founder & Rector, Kaduna Business School (KBS), 2003-Present
    • Established KBS as a premier institution, delivering high-impact executive education.
    • Spearheaded partnerships with World Bank, DFID, and private sector organizations to strengthen Nigeria’s business ecosystem.
  • Vice President, Business Development (Africa), Transcontinental University, USA, 2019-Present
    • Designed Africa-focused programs aligning with regional economic priorities.
    • Expanded the university’s footprint through strategic partnerships.
  • Embedded Economic Adviser – Kaduna State Government / World Bank, 2016-2018
    • Advised on fiscal strategies and economic resilience programs.
    • Coordinated multi-stakeholder development initiatives.

Professional Development & Certifications

  • Financial Development & Inclusion – IMF, 2024
  • Scenario Planning Mastery – Udemy, 2024
  • ICSS Training for Trainers – GIZ, 2023
  • Professional Business Development Service Provider (PBDSP) – SMEDAN, 2022
  • Making Markets Work – Harvard Business School, 2004

Professional Memberships & Community Engagement

  • Council Member – BDSP Accreditation & Certification, Nigeria (2021-Present)
  • Committee Member – World Bank CARES Program Implementation (2021-2022)
  • Financial Inclusion Community of Practice (2020-2021)

Languages

  • English: Native
  • French: Advanced