Emir of Kano Enrolls in Law School at 63

A king is trading his throne for a classroom desk, at least part-time.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II of Kano, Nigeria, has enrolled at Northwest University to study law. The 63-year-old ruler received special admission to the university's LL.B program in Common and Sharia Law, starting at the second-year level.

The announcement came through an official letter dated January 12, 2026, confirming the Emir met all criteria for special consideration. He'll begin classes in the current 2024/2025 academic session while maintaining his duties as one of northern Nigeria's most influential traditional leaders.

This isn't the Emir's first trip through higher education. He already holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, a BA in Islamic Studies from the International University of Africa, and a PhD in Islamic Law from SOAS, University of London.

Former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad shared the news publicly, noting the move sends a powerful message. "This remarkable step is sure to inspire many people to also take a similar step," he wrote on social media.

The announcement quickly sparked conversation across Nigerian social media, with thousands praising the decision as a demonstration of lifelong learning. Many commented that seeing someone of the Emir's stature and accomplishments pursue another degree challenged their own assumptions about age and education.

Why This Inspires

Education doesn't come with an expiration date. The Emir's decision shows that intellectual curiosity shouldn't dim with age or achievement. For students struggling with motivation or adults considering returning to school, his example offers simple proof that learning remains valuable at any stage of life.

His unique position also matters. As a traditional ruler whose voice carries weight across northern Nigeria, choosing to sit in a classroom alongside younger students normalizes the pursuit of knowledge beyond conventional timelines.

When a king makes time for homework, everyone else's excuses look a little thinner.