Emir Sanusi Resumes Lectures, Signs Attendance as Law Undergraduate in Kano Varsity, Photos Emerge
- Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has resumed lectures at Northwest University, Kano, as a 200-level Law student
- The former CBN governor joined other students in class, signed the attendance register, and followed lectures quietly, drawing attention online
- Nigerians on social media praised the move as a strong example of lifelong learning and humility in leadership
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Kano state - The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has sparked widespread reactions on social media after resuming academic activities as an undergraduate Law student at Northwest University, Kano.
The monarch, who is enrolled as a Level 200 student, attended his first lecture on Tuesday, drawing attention both on campus and online.
Source: Twitter
Dressed simply in a black long gown and white turban, the Emir joined other students in the lecture hall and sat quietly at the back of the class on a three-seater chair.
According to pictures shared by one of the class members, Emir Sanusi followed the lecture attentively alongside younger classmates and even wrote his name in the attendance register, a moment that later went viral on social media.
Why the Emir returned to the classroom
Northwest University, Kano, last week offered Sanusi a special admission into its Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme in Common and Sharia Law.
According to the institution, the admission was granted in recognition of his vast experience in governance, economics and public service.
Established in 2012, Northwest University is one of the two state-owned universities in Kano.
Source: Twitter
Emir Sanusi is already a holder of a doctorate and is a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He is widely known for his intellectual contributions to economic policy, education reform and social advocacy, making his decision to return to undergraduate studies particularly symbolic.
Students, netizens react
Photos and short clips of him attending lectures quickly circulated online, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users praised his humility, discipline and commitment to education, with many saying the moment was both inspiring and rare among public figures in Nigeria.
The Emir’s presence on campus reportedly excited many students, with some describing it as a powerful reminder of the importance of lifelong learning.
They said:
@Maishsnz
If he didn't write, he'll get Carry over. Good for him
@MSIIEnthusiast
Good students follow the rule.
@IdrisBilya43130
Indeed learning continues till the end of time, I'm personally Proud of You Sir @MSII a Proud friend to our Royal Father Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV Mai Borgu of Borgu Kingdom
@AbdulUK123
Long live the king
@Yo_je_suis
All of a sudden the class becomes scanty, I mean this is supposed to be a 200L law class in a public university in Nigeria.
@MalamiTT
While this is highly commendable, it is simultaneously distracting to the other students.
@madaki_III
His Highness continue to inspire us, we no get excuse until we accomplish PhD. and beyond.
@skonz222
The pressure on the other students won’t be easy and why are people standing around?
@Oyekadupe1
This classroom is distracted
Pros and cons of Emir Sanusi’s return to school
A Kaduna-based educationist and analyst, Musa Zubairu, has shared mixed views on the decision of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi to return to formal education, describing the move as both inspiring and challenging within an academic setting.
Zubairu commended the emir for what he described as a rare display of humility and commitment to lifelong learning.
According to him, the decision sends a strong message about the value of education, regardless of status or position.
“I am truly inspired by this humble approach, his love for knowledge is something else.” Zubairu said.
However, the analyst raised concerns about the practical implications of an emir studying in a conventional classroom environment.
He noted that the presence of a traditional ruler could create distractions for fellow students and complicate classroom management for lecturers.
Zubairu explained that academic discipline may also be difficult to enforce.
“The class will always be distracted, and lecturers may not be able to take some strict actions that apply to general students,” he said.
He added that although the emir’s admission may be on a special basis, he should ideally be treated like every other student—something he believes may be difficult to achieve given his royal status.
Kwankwaso supports Emir Sanusi
Legit.ng earlier reported that tension is rising in Kano following fresh directives by former Governor and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who openly backs the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi.
Furthermore, he instructed his supporters to recognise only him as the legitimate traditional ruler, a move that has triggered sharp reactions from the camp of the deposed emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero.
Kwankwaso’s comments, made at a public event attended by Emir Sanusi, have deepened the long-running emirship crisis and heightened political and security anxiety across the state.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
