Outcry, Condemnations Greet Proposal To Rename UNILORIN As Sheikh Alimi University

Public outcry and condemnations have greeted a a statement credited to the people of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, calling on the federal government to rename the University of Ilorin after the founder of the Alimi Dynasty, Sheikh Alimi ibn Solihu ibn Janta.

The people also requested the Kwara State government to direct all heads of government offices, captain of industries and chairmen of the five local government areas in Ilorin Emirate to henceforth display the portrait of the Emir of Ilorin, alongside that of the President and Governor in their offices.

The president of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh Aliyu Otta-Uthman, made the appeal on behalf of the people of the Emirate in the address he presented at the opening of the 58th national conference of the union held at the forecourt of the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin.

While praising the state government for its giant strides in the education sector, the IEDPU president appealed to the government to site the proposed Kwara State University of Education within Ilorin metropolis.

Outcry

Scores of Nigerians have taken to their social media handles to react to the development.

@JimohHabibullah: These days, I no longer partake in aimless arguments. But then, what’s all this I’m reading on my timeline since yesterday? Some students are bemoaning the Emirate’s suggestion to rename the University of Ilorin to Sheik Alimi University.

@miladyraider: Shey that name even make sense for their ears ????? Alimi university korh Afonja university ni. The university is a federal university and it’s in ilorin not alimi. The controversies you guys are looking for, you go soon see am.

@blockofbuilder: Ilorin elite group should build a University and name it for their ancestor Alimi, no need to steal a national asset. Many private university now exists, Ilorin elite should put their money where their mouth is and stop passive aggression.

@prestige_kts: What’s all these now, if Unilorin want to be renamed after someone, it must be someone that has socioeconomic effects to the city. Let’s just calm make we no dey talk much wetin Alimi do for ilorin. What’s the development he brings to the city? Free to rant if you are his slave.

@jagabanolu: University of Ilorin, a federal University owned by 200 million Nigerians not Ilorin will not be renamed Sheik Alimi University…Ilorin is not the only part of Kwara state or Nigeria🙏

@d_LegalEagle: The gist that UNILORIN should be renamed Sheik Alimi University Ilorin has caused tribalism to resurface among Kwarans.

It is evident how divided Kwara was & still is by the haughtiness of the supposedly powerful No 1s and the fervent hatred of the others. It is well with Kwara