Classroom gives me my greatest joy — Emir Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said he derives his greatest fulfilment from the classroom, whether as a learner or a teacher, describing education as a lifelong pursuit.

Sanusi made the remark on Friday while speaking with journalists after attending lectures at Northwest University, Kano, where he was recently admitted to study Common and Sharia Law.

The former Central Bank governor disclosed that the programme marks his third bachelor’s degree, recalling that he previously returned to undergraduate studies decades after his first degree.

“The first time I was at level 200 was in 1978, and the second time was in 1992. This is now my third bachelor’s degree,” he said.

Although he already holds a PhD, the emir explained that studying Law had always been a personal ambition and noted that many people take up the discipline later in life.

“I am happiest in the classroom, either studying or teaching, because learning is a continuous process,” he said.

He added that Law remains relevant to everyone, citing prominent Nigerians who studied the subject after active public service. “The law is everywhere. It is what holds society together,” Sanusi stated.

Emphasising the value of education, the monarch said legal knowledge helps shape responsible citizenship and improves understanding of governance and social order.

“The more educated you are, the better citizen you become,” he said, noting that he had already gained fresh insights within a short time in class.

In a lighter moment, Sanusi joked that studying Law might help him deal more effectively with his critics. “Maybe if I understand the law, I can give my traducers some trouble — maybe I’ll sue them,” he quipped.

He thanked the university’s management for the opportunity and praised lecturers, calling for greater respect and appreciation for educators.

Sanusi’s return to the classroom has attracted widespread public interest, with images and videos of the emir attending lectures alongside younger students circulating widely on social media.