Emir of Ilorin Calls for Renaming of UNILORIN in Honour of Sheik Alimi

As the University of Ilorin marks its 50th anniversary, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has renewed his call for the institution to be renamed after the late Islamic scholar, Sheik Sheu Alimi, founder of the Ilorin Emirate.

The Emir made the appeal on Monday while receiving the management team of the University of Ilorin in his palace. The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, visited the monarch as part of activities commemorating the university’s golden jubilee.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari argued that Ilorin deserves the same recognition accorded institutions such as Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano, both of which were named after notable historical figures. He said Sheu Alimi’s immense contributions to scholarship and the propagation of knowledge in the region make him deserving of such honour.

The Emir commended the university’s management and students for maintaining a stable academic calendar, which he said has contributed to making UNILORIN one of the most sought-after institutions in the country. He attributed the calm learning environment to both effective administration and well-raised students who abide by institutional rules.

“The university has given us a lot of prestige beyond Ilorin. It is not by our making, it is by Allah. I will be the happiest person the day the name of the University is changed to Sheu Alimi University,” he declared.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Governing Council, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, congratulated the Emir on his 30th anniversary on the throne, noting that his reign has fostered peace and stability in the emirate. He said the harmonious relationship between the university and its host community has ensured uninterrupted academic activities and contributed to UNILORIN’s reputation as “the most peaceful and most sought-after” university in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), paid tribute to the Emir’s late father, the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulukanaini Gambari Aiyelabowo, who made the establishment of the university possible by allocating a vast expanse of land five decades ago. He assured the monarch that the institution under his leadership would continue to uphold and promote the heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.

Egbewole reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the emirate and contributing to its growth.

The visit formed part of a week-long series of events celebrating UNILORIN’s 50 years of academic excellence, community service, and national impact.