The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has explained what brought about the advent of Boko Haram in the country.

His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II. Photo: BBC

Speaking on Saturday at the 2014 yearly Dinner/Exhibition organised by the Kings College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the college, he blamed illiteracy and high rate of poverty in the country for the emergence of the Boko Haram, Guardian reports.

The Emir, who is also the Vice President of KCOBA, stated that the Federal Government neglected their menace, which has now become an embarrassment to the Northerners.

“The lack of education and poverty create the kind of group we see like Boko Haram. Activities of those groups increase poverty and reduce access to education and therefore create an even poorer and less educative society for the future. If any kind of group can target educational institutions for the sole purpose of discouraging people from getting education, it tells you how far we have sunk and it tells you the kind of emergency that we face in the North because it is nothing short of a vicious cycle” he said.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor further stated that the menace of Boko Haram has been ignored for too long saying; “it can no longer be ignored.”

According to him, Boko Haram which started in 2001 has now grown into a real monster. Although he agreed there is a military solution to it, he however, insisted on re-orientation, enlightenment and awareness on the importance of education on the country’s younger generation.

“So for me, I have assumed this role at a time of great difficulty, when we are facing challenges, and I will like to first of all request all Kings College boys and all friends to come to our aid with any kind of support, ideas, analysis or recommendations on how we can confront this menace. Not just the security aspect, but also the entire mindset because it has set the North back probably by half a century” the Emir said.

Sanusi urged all members of KCOBA to try and get into the public sector in order to show good leadership quality. He said some people are convinced that there is something wrong with the country’s education system as some believe that education no longer has value.

Boko Haram members

According to him, many of the so-called educated Nigerians have not been a very good example on what education should do, and urged those that came out of Kings College go into public service system.

“Too many Kings College boys are so much into private organisations, clinics, engineering firms and private businesses; there are not enough of us in the public service. Nigeria needs Kings College. Make this a major point for the future young boys coming out and those outside. Let us find our way into the public sector and provide the country the kind of leadership we were brought up with,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Nigerian soldier who is fighting against the insurgents in Borno state has said the Boko Haram war is a political one, not a tribal or reli­gious war and a popular politician from Borno is truly one of their sponsors.

According to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters Boko Haram members have started surrendering themselves voluntarily in Konduga town, Konduga LGA of Borno State, while President Goodluck Jonathan had also assured that the menace of the terrorist group will end by next month.