Emir Sanusi Explains Why He Returned to the Classroom to Study Law

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has explained that his decision to enroll for a Law degree at Northwest University, Kano, is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and a personal quest for knowledge, not a reaction to any legal battles.

Speaking after attending lectures at the university on Thursday, the Emir said that despite holding advanced qualifications, including a PhD, studying law had always been a long-held dream. He described the discipline as fundamental to building a just, orderly and stable society.

Sanusi noted that the programme would be his third bachelor’s degree, having earlier studied Economics at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, before pursuing other academic and professional courses.

“The classroom has always been my default setting. I am happiest when I am studying or teaching. Law is everywhere — it governs our families, contracts, property, inheritance and even how we drive on the road. It is the safeguard of a decent and stable society,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that his decision was influenced by past court cases, stressing that his interest in law is purely intellectual and deeply rooted.

“Understanding the law helps, but beyond that, it is the glue that holds society together. When there is no law and order, the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must,” the Emir added.

Explaining why he chose Northwest University, Sanusi said the institution offered him admission and, as a state-owned university, deserved his support. He also urged Nigerians to have confidence in local institutions and educators.

“We often underestimate our own teachers, yet they have attained the same levels of education as those abroad. If you are going to practise law in Nigeria, it makes sense to study law in Nigeria. What is the point of studying British law when you are not going to live there?” he asked.

‘A student in the morning, an Emir in the afternoon’

On balancing his academic life with his royal responsibilities, Sanusi said he had structured his schedule to accommodate both roles.

“I am a student in the morning and an Emir in the afternoon. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are for classes, while Mondays and Fridays I resume normal duties. When I cannot attend physically, I join classes virtually. The university has been flexible enough to support this arrangement,” he explained.

Reflecting on his classroom experience, the Emir said he was impressed by the discipline and seriousness of the students.

“I sat on wooden benches in the 1970s. Today, the seats are more comfortable, and I see young men and women who are determined to learn. Law has always been a conservative discipline, and I have enjoyed sitting among the students,” he said.

The Emir also urged Nigerians of all ages to embrace lifelong learning, noting that education remains key to personal growth and responsible citizenship.

“No one is too young or too old to go to school. The more education you have, the better a citizen you become. In just three days here, I have learnt a lot. We should all seek knowledge because it improves us as individuals and as a society,” he said.

He concluded by calling on governments and the private sector to invest more in education, particularly in infrastructure, information technology, reliable power supply and staff welfare.

“Our human capital is our greatest asset. Producing high-quality lawyers and professionals who will shape our institutions is critical. For me, this is a personal journey, but it is also a message that education must always be a national priority,” Sanusi said.