Kwara South Consultative Forum Opposes Renaming of University of Ilorin

The Kwara South Consultative Forum has expressed strong opposition to the proposal by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to rename the University of Ilorin after Sheikh Alimi, the founder of the Alimi dynasty. The Forum describes the proposal as “highly provocative” and insensitive to the state’s ethnic diversity.

In a statement, the Forum’s Secretary-General, Adebayo Daramola, emphasized that the University of Ilorin belongs to the entire state, not just Ilorin or a particular ethnic group. The statement warns that renaming the university could reopen ethnic fault lines and notes that the location of the university in Ilorin doesn’t confer ownership.

The Forum suggests establishing a private university in Sheikh Alimi’s name instead, citing existing private institutions in Kwara South. They also criticized the renaming of the Kwara State Government House as Ahmadu Bello House, saying it lacked consultation with other ethnic groups. They propose renaming it after late Brigadier General David Bamigboye, Kwara State’s pioneer Military Governor.

The Forum appeals to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and ensure equity, fairness, and justice in governance. The University of Ilorin, established in 1975, is one of Nigeria’s most diverse universities, drawing students and staff from across the country and beyond.