The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said the classroom remains the place where he feels most fulfilled, describing learning as a lifelong journey that gives him deep personal satisfaction, whether he is teaching or studying.
Sanusi spoke on Friday after attending lectures at Northwest University, Kano, where he recently gained admission to study Common and Sharia Law.
The monarch was seen attending classes alongside younger students, an experience that has drawn widespread public attention across the country.
Speaking with journalists after the lectures, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria explained that education has always been central to his life and personal development.
“I am at my happiest in the classroom, either studying or teaching, because it is a process of learning,” he said.
Sanusi revealed that the Law programme marks his third bachelor’s degree, recalling his previous experiences as an undergraduate several decades ago.
“The first time I was at level 200 was in 1978, and the second time was in 1992. So this is actually my third bachelor’s degree I’m going for,” he stated.
Despite already holding a doctorate degree, the emir said his decision to return to school was driven by a long held ambition to formally study Law, adding that pursuing legal education later in life is neither unusual nor inappropriate.
“Law is a subject many people go to after retirement. People like General Obasanjo, Alex Ekwueme, Nasir el Rufai, Osita Chidoka. So this is not strange at all. It is a subject that we all need to live with,” he said.
According to him, law plays a critical role in holding society together and shaping relationships, governance and civic responsibility.
“The law is all over us. It is the law that holds society together,” Sanusi added.
The emir also stressed the importance of education in building responsible citizens, noting that learning enhances critical thinking and social awareness.
“The more education you have, the better citizen you become,” he said, disclosing that he had already gained fresh insights after just a few days in class.
In a light hearted moment, Sanusi joked that his new academic pursuit might help him better respond to his critics.
“Maybe if I understand the law, I can give my traducers some trouble. Maybe I’ll sue them,” he said with a smile.
He expressed gratitude to the management of Northwest University for granting him admission and commended lecturers for their dedication, urging society to place greater value on educators and the role they play in nation building.
Sanusi’s return to the classroom has continued to generate reactions nationwide, with images and videos of the traditional ruler attending lectures circulating widely on social media. Many observers have described the move as a powerful message on the value of lifelong learning and humility, regardless of status or age.
