The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has raised alarm over what he described as the widespread erosion of values in Nigeria, particularly among public office holders, attributing the country’s challenges to poor upbringing and a failed value system.

In a recent interview with Channels Television, the former Central Bank Governor lamented that many individuals currently occupying public offices were not properly brought up, leading to a culture of looting and abuse of power.

“I think what has failed in this country is upbringing,” Sanusi said. “The truth is that many people you have in public office today were simply not well brought up… Many people go into government for the wrong reasons.”

Drawing from his early experiences at King's College, where civics was taught by the school principal, Sanusi noted that past generations were instilled with strong moral values such as honesty, integrity, and service to the public — qualities he said are now lacking in many leaders.

The monarch criticized a system that continues to reward corrupt individuals with political appointments and public recognition, saying the Nigerian society has lost its moral compass.

“The entire value system of the country has been eroded. We have been ruled by people with no values, they have no names behind them and have no desire to leave a name after them,” he said. “These are people who define themselves by what they own — how many houses, how many private jets, how many billions they have in their bank accounts.”

He warned that as long as society continues to glorify material wealth regardless of its source, corruption and mediocrity will persist. “A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected and glorified… will continue to reproduce itself,” he added.

Sanusi called for a nationwide regeneration of values, emphasizing that the task should not rest solely on political leaders but must involve all Nigerians — leaders and citizens alike.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late former Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, Sanusi said the country needs more leaders with integrity and purpose. He also pointed fingers at politicians for weakening the civil service, urging reforms to strengthen institutions and empower civil servants to resist unlawful directives from politicians.

“I think we need an entire regeneration of values. It is not about one person. The president, governors, or ministers alone cannot change this country,” he said.

Sanusi's remarks come at a time when debates around governance, accountability, and leadership quality continue to dominate Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.