Group Condemns Emir of Ilorin’s Suggestion to Rename UNILORIN as ‘Highly Provocative’
By Erewunmi Peace
A socio-cultural group in Kwara State has described the Emir of Ilorin’s suggestion to rename the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) after Sheikh Alimi as “highly provocative” and warned that it could inflame ethnic tensions.
The Kwara South Consultative Forum said UNILORIN is a collective asset for all Kwarans and should not be renamed after a single individual. The group emphasized that the university represents diverse communities across the state and serves as a symbol of educational progress for everyone, not just the host community.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, reportedly made the suggestion during the 50th anniversary celebrations of UNILORIN, sparking public debate and widespread reactions from stakeholders in the state.
The group urged the Emir to reconsider the proposal, describing it as insensitive to the multicultural nature of Kwara State and calling for discussions that include representatives from all communities before any decision is taken.
The controversy has attracted attention across Kwara, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition, history, and communal harmony in the state’s public discourse.
