Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Microfinance banks have emerged as vital institutions in promoting financial inclusion and economic development in Nigeria. This study investigates the relationship between microfinance banks and economic growth in Nigeria. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data on the performance of microfinance banks and economic indicators in Nigeria over the past decade with qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the microfinance sector. The findings suggest that microfinance banks play a crucial role in providing financial services to the unbanked and underbanked population in Nigeria, thereby contributing to economic growth. The study reveals that increased access to microfinance services leads to higher levels of entrepreneurship, job creation, and income generation among low-income individuals and small businesses. Furthermore, the research highlights the challenges facing microfinance banks in Nigeria, including issues related to regulatory framework, financial sustainability, and capacity building. The study recommends policy interventions to address these challenges and enhance the contribution of microfinance banks to economic growth in Nigeria. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the role of microfinance banks in fostering economic growth in Nigeria and underscores the need for continued support and investment in this sector to maximize its impact on poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Thesis Overview

                                        INTRODUCTION
1.1     OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
It would be observed that, despite the presumed developments in the Nigerian economy, the country is still largely being regarded as a developing country (Onyema, 2006). More so, its industrial growth is not quite impressive.
Before the emergence of formal microfinance institutions, informal microfinance activities flourished all over the country. Traditionally, microfinance in Nigeria entails traditional informal practices such as local money lending, rotating credit and savings practices, credit from friends and relatives, government owned institutional arrangements, poverty reduction programmes etc (Lemo, 2006). The Central Bank of Nigeria Survey in 2001 indicated that the operations of former microfinance institutions in Nigeria are relatively new, as most of them never registered after 1981.
Before now, commercial banks traditionally lend to medium and large enterprises which are judged to be credit-worthy. They avoided doing business with the poor and their micro enterprises because the associated cost and risks are considered to be relatively high (Anyanwu, 2004).
The Federal and State governments have recognized that for sustainable growth and development, the financial empowerment of the rural areas is vital, being the repository of the predominantly poor in society and in particular the SMEs. If this growth strategy is adopted and the latent entrepreneurial capabilities of this large segment of the people is sufficiently stimulated and sustained, then positive multipliers will be felt throughout the economy. To give effect to these aspirations various policies have been instituted over time by the Federal Government to improve rural enterprise production capabilities. (Olaitan 2006)

In view of this, the impact of micro finance bank in economic growth and development of Nigeria started showcasing itself. With the initiative of microfinance, rural areas are opportune to grow and develop as loan and fund are easily given to rural farmers and entrepreneur. Jobs opportunities were created since there is avenue for lending and investing.
1.2     STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
There are so many problems and challenges that hinder the functionality of the microfinance bank in carrying out their major role of improving economic growth in Nigeria.
These problems include

The researcher will in the research find possible ways of solving or making better the conditions for the operation of MFBs.
1.3     OBJECIVE OF THE STUDY
The set objective of this research work are to:

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.5   TEST OF HYPOTHESIS
It is quite evidential that the major ways in which microfinance bank can help in economic development is through the encouragement of entrepreneurial development.
The essence of microfinance bank is to enable the poor individual to be able to obtain loan and be able to manage their enterprise.
To this effect, the following hypothesis will be tested, thus.
Hypothesis I
H0:     Micro finance bank is irrelevant to the economic growth and development in Nigeria since the number of entrepreneurs that uses their services is low
Hi:     Micro finance bank is relevant to the economic growth and development in Nigeria since the number of entrepreneurs that uses their services is low
Hypothesis II
H0:     Microfinance institution do not contribute to entrepreneurial productivity
H1:     Micro finance institutions do contribute to entrepreneurial productivity.

1.6     SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study is subjected around the frame work of microfinance bank in Nigeria vis-à-vis its contribution to the economic growth and development.

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is essentially significant in that it is directed towards evaluating the impact and role that micro finance banks have on the economic growth and development in Nigeria, especially the rural areas which is a criteria aimed at measuring economic standard.
Owing to the fact that researcher has aimed at pinpointing the ways in which micro finance bank can help in the revamping of the nation’s economy, the findings of this research work will be of great help to most developing countries who may wish to toe the part of Nigeria in MFB development.

It will also serve as a reference point for future researchers who in one way or the other will try to unveil the role and impact of micro finance bank to economic growth and development.