Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (born July 31, 1961), commonly referred to as Muhammadu Sanusi II, is a prominent Nigerian public figure, traditional ruler, Islamic scholar, and economist. He served as the 14th Emir of Kano from 2014 to 2020 and previously as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2009 to 2014. His career has been marked by strong anti-corruption stances, significant economic reforms, and outspoken commentary on societal issues, making him one of Nigeria's most influential and controversial leaders. Early Life and Education Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was born in Kano City, Nigeria. He is the grandson of Muhammadu Sanusi I, who was the 11th Emir of Kano. Sanusi received his primary education in Kano and attended King's College, Lagos, for his secondary education, graduating in 1977. He pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1981 and a Master's degree in Economics in 1983. Later, he deepened his religious scholarship, studying Islamic Law and Sharia at the International University of Africa in Khartoum, Sudan. Career Progression and Banking Sanusi began his professional career as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University. In 1985, he transitioned into the banking sector, starting at Icon Limited (Merchant Bankers), a subsidiary of Morgan Guaranty Trust Bank and Baring Brothers. He later joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and subsequently First Bank of Nigeria in 2005 as an Executive Director in charge of Risk and Management. In January 2009, he was appointed Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, Nigeria's oldest bank. Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2009–2014) In June 2009, Sanusi was appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. His tenure was characterized by radical reforms aimed at stabilizing the country’s financial system following the 2008 global financial crisis. His swift actions included injecting capital into distressed banks, firing the chief executives of several banks, and prosecuting those involved in widespread corruption and mismanagement. He is particularly recognized for his efforts to sanitize the Nigerian banking industry, which earned him international praise, including being named the Banker Magazine's Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa in 2010. His tenure ended controversially in February 2014 when he was suspended by President Goodluck Jonathan after exposing a $20 billion leakage from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) accounts. Major Achievements and Notable Works Sanusi’s major achievements span both his financial and traditional roles. As CBN Governor, he introduced significant risk management reforms and established the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to absorb toxic bank assets. As Emir of Kano (Muhammadu Sanusi II), he was a vocal advocate for socio-economic reform, particularly in Northern Nigeria, focusing on education, girl-child empowerment, and poverty reduction. His notable works include numerous papers and speeches on economic development, Islamic jurisprudence, and socio-political critique. His outspoken nature often brought him into conflict with political authorities. Emir of Kano (2014–2020) and Current Status Following the death of his grand-uncle, Emir Ado Bayero, Sanusi was selected as the 14th Emir of Kano in June 2014. As Emir, he used his platform to push for progressive reforms within the traditional institution, advocating for modernization and accountability. However, his criticisms of government policies and northern societal norms led to escalating friction with state authorities. On March 9, 2020, he was officially dethroned by the Kano State Government and subsequently exiled to Nasarawa State. Sanusi challenged his deposition, and the Federal High Court later declared his banishment illegal. In his current status, Sanusi remains a highly respected public intellectual and global statesman. He holds various academic and advisory roles, including being a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University's African Studies Centre and a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocacy Group. He continues to speak publicly on finance, education, and development issues affecting Nigeria and the African continent.