? The Femmezon is a Rotv24 program where we spotlight women achievers, trailblazers, and celebrate women's achievements.
ROTV24 sat with Mallama Rahama Musa Sani, a director of the Esteem Learning Academy Lokogoma, Abuja in an exclusive/Talkshow interview who took us through her journey and how she became who she is today.
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QS: Kindly tell us a little about your childhood and educational background.
ANS: ? I am Rahama Sani. I was born in Keffi Local Government Area about 60 years ago. I attended Akwanga Primary School in Keffi, then proceeded to Government Teachers College, Keffi in Plateau State.
Thereafter, I went to Plateau State Polytechnic where I obtained my ND, and then to Kaduna Polytechnic for my HND. I also hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
After completing my studies, I completed my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Bauchi. Afterward, I gained employment with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). I started as a Management Assistant—the lowest level of the cadre—and to the glory of Allah, I rose through the ranks to become a Director. I recently retired in May 2026 as the Director of the Internal Risk Management Department.
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QS: Every leader has a defining moment. Was there a specific moment or decision in your life that set you on the path to where you are today?
?ANS: Yes, I would say it was my commitment and having a clear goal. I lost my father when I was just six years old. I grew up in a very loving extended family.my uncle (my father's elder brother), my cousins, and the whole family were around me, so I didn't feel the absence too much.
However, being an orphan made me determined to achieve something in life so that I could give back to my family and society, and stand out.
Along the line while working, I loved giving back through charity. I was involved with several NGOs such as Women in Da'wah and Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI). My husband and a family friend started a school, and I was partially involved through my NGOs—Child to Child Charity and Children in Da'wah.
Now that I am retired, I am fully focused on my passion for educating children. The school, Esteem Learning Center, has been running for 25 years. We have branches in Wuse and Lokogoma, offering nursery, primary, and secondary education.
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?QS: Who were the women who inspired you growing up?
?ANS: Hajiya Aisha Lemu inspired me greatly. She was extremely committed and passionate about education, charity, and running her schools (New Horizon and Sunrise). Seeing her work motivated me to build something meaningful.
Additionally, during my time at Teachers College, facilities were limited. During teaching practice, I had to teach students under a tree because there were no classrooms, and we had to run for shelter when it rained. Right then, I resolved that by God’s grace, I would establish and run a proper school to provide a better environment for children.
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?QS: What do you consider your single proudest achievement so far?: What do you consider your single proudest achievement so far?
?ANS: There is a Hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best among you is he who brings benefit to others." Whenever I touch lives or give back to society, I feel deeply fulfilled.
At our school, we run an initiative called Child to Child Charity. We mentor young students to contribute from their own pocket money to support rural communities. They have constructed boreholes and built schools in rural areas to donate to the state government Teaching the younger generation the act of giving back is my greatest passion.
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QS: Success does not come without friction. What was a major obstacle you faced, and how did you overcome it?
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ANS: Challenges are inevitable in life. My firm belief in prayer and surrendering my affairs to Allah has always guided me.
A major challenge occurred during the expansion of Esteem Learning Center school secured land near the Presidential Villa, took a bank loan, built classrooms, and enrolled students. Just two days before school was scheduled to resume on a Monday, government authorities came on Saturday and demolished the entire structure, revoking the land title due to security reasons.
It felt like the end of the world—school fees had been collected, development levies spent, and bank loans were due. However, through patience, prayers, supportive parents, and intervention by the FCT Minister at the time, an alternative location and compensation were provided.
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?QS: How do you feel about using your position to mentor the next generation of young women?
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ANS: If you are successful and you do not lift others up, your success has no real meaning. I do not subscribe to the idea that women are their own worst enemies. Having been mentored myself, I find immense joy in mentoring young girls and women to excel beyond where we are today
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QS: What is one major misconception about women in leadership that you would like to debunk?
?ANS: The belief that women cannot perform as effectively as men in high-level roles. Early in my career during an interview, an MD asked if I could perform as well as male colleagues. I replied that as a woman, I actually work twice as hard to ensure my gender is never used as an excuse for underperformance.
Women in leadership juggle multiple responsibilities as mothers, wives, and professionals—and with dedication and commitment, they can excel in all roles simultaneously.
?Conclusion
Thank you very much, Hajiya. It has been an honor having you on the program.
Mallama Rahama Sani: Thank you. It was a pleasure, and may Allah continue to bless us all.
