By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has been granted special admission to Northwest University, Kano, to study law, marking a notable return to formal education for the traditional ruler.
According to an official letter from the university dated January 12, 2026, Sanusi was offered admission into the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Common Law and Sharia programme at Level 200, beginning with the 2024/2025 academic session. The letter was addressed to him at his palace, Gidan Rumfa, in Kano.
The admission follows Sanusi’s application for special consideration, with university authorities confirming he met the requirements for the programme. The Emir is expected to complete registration across relevant university departments, including the Faculty of Law, library, bursary, and student affairs units, as stipulated by the institution.
Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has a distinguished academic and professional background. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a BA in Islamic Studies and Sharia from the International University of Africa in Khartoum, Sudan. In 2024, he earned a PhD in Islamic Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
The decision has drawn attention on social media and news platforms, with many describing the Emir’s renewed academic pursuit as a strong example of lifelong learning, emphasizing that education remains important regardless of one’s status.
Northwest University’s approval reflects its policy of supporting continued scholarship and academic excellence, even for seasoned leaders like the Emir.
