Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Northwest University Kano has officially distanced itself from a viral video that falsely claimed the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, was attending lectures to clear a carry-over course, describing the footage and the accompanying write-ups as entirely false, baseless, and misleading. The university's Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Ibrahim, issued a statement on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, clarifying that the video actually showed the Emir attending a public lecture organised by the International Humanitarian Law Society at the institution, not a remedial academic session. The management categorically dissociated itself from the video and the claims attached to it, warning that individuals involved in creating or circulating such false content would be reported to the relevant authorities and prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.
The viral video had sparked widespread debate on social media, with some users alleging that the Emir, who enrolled as a 200-level undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme for Common Law and Sharia at Northwest University, had failed a course and was attempting to clear a carry-over. However, the university's statement put the speculation to rest. "Some social media users subsequently attached write-ups claiming that the Emir had a carry-over, and approached the university to clear the alleged academic deficiency," the statement read. "The management categorically distances itself from the said video, write-ups, and the claims contained therein. The claim is entirely false, baseless, misleading, and without an iota of fact whatsoever." The university advised members of the university community and the public to disregard the video, write-ups, and related claims, warning against the creation, publication, or circulation of what it described as false and defamatory content.
The denial from Northwest University followed a similar rebuttal from the Kano Emirate Council, which had earlier dismissed the rumour. Muhammad Ado, Secretary in the Office of the Emir, insisted that the claim was untrue and that the Emir remained on course to graduate with a first-class degree. Sources at the school corroborated the Emirate Council's position, revealing that the viral video was not a representation of the Emir's academic reality. The Emirate Council had earlier told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the claim was false and unfounded. According to the Emirate, Sanusi was just "one point away" from attaining a first-class grade, a feat that would make him one of the few traditional rulers in Nigeria to graduate with such honours.
The controversy comes at a time when the Emir, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a respected figure in Islamic scholarship, has been pursuing a law degree at Northwest University. His academic journey has been closely followed by many Nigerians, who see his pursuit of higher education as a commendable example of lifelong learning. The false carry-over claim, therefore, appeared to be an attempt to undermine his reputation. The university's firm response, which included a threat of legal action against those spreading the falsehood, has been widely praised by observers as a necessary step to protect the institution's integrity and the Emir's reputation.
The incident also highlights the growing challenge of misinformation on social media platforms, where videos and images can be easily manipulated or presented out of context to mislead the public. The university's warning that anyone found involved in creating or circulating the false claims would face prosecution is a significant move in an era where fake news has become a pervasive problem. The institution urged the public to rely on its official communications for accurate and verified information concerning the university and its activities.
For the Emir, the swift denial from both the university and his council has put the rumours to rest. His academic record remains unblemished, and his ambition to graduate with a first-class degree remains intact. For the university, the incident has reinforced its commitment to truth and transparency, even as it navigates the complexities of managing its public image in the digital age. And for the public, it is a reminder that not everything that trends on social media is true.
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