Northwest University, Kano, has dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, had a carry-over and visited the institution to resolve an academic deficiency.
The university issued the clarification following the circulation of a video showing the Emir after attending a public lecture organised by the International Humanitarian Law Society at the university.
According to the institution, the video was subsequently accompanied by captions on social media claiming that Sanusi had a carry-over and had visited the university to clear the alleged academic deficiency.
The university, however, said the claim had no factual basis and urged members of the public to disregard the video, captions and accompanying reports.
In a disclaimer dated August 10, 2026, and signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Ibrahim, the institution said it had observed the circulation of the material and was distancing itself from the claims attached to the video.
The university explained that the Emir’s presence at the institution was connected to a public lecture organised by the International Humanitarian Law Society and not to any academic deficiency.
It described the carry-over claim as “false, baseless, misleading” and lacking factual foundation, stressing that the circulating material did not represent the position of the university.
Northwest University further warned against the creation and circulation of false or defamatory information concerning the institution and its activities.
The university said individuals found to be responsible for creating or circulating the alleged false material could be reported to the appropriate authorities and prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.
The development highlights the increasing challenge faced by Nigerian universities in dealing with misleading information circulated through social media, particularly when such content involves prominent public figures.
Academic records and students’ academic standing are matters ordinarily handled through official university processes and institutional records. Consequently, claims concerning examination results, carry-overs, graduation status or other academic matters require verification from the relevant institution rather than reliance on social-media captions.
The university advised members of its community and the general public to rely on official communications from Northwest University, Kano, for verified information about its programmes, activities and other institutional matters.
The clarification also serves as a reminder to students and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, particularly where unverified claims could affect an individual’s reputation or create a false impression about an institution’s academic processes.
Northwest University maintained that the viral claim about the Emir of Kano did not reflect the facts surrounding his visit to the university.
