Moliyili also known as University of Moliyili was a historical centre of learning and craftsmanship in the West African
kingdom of Dagbon
The Kingdom of Dagbon ( ) is the oldest and one of the most organised traditional kingdoms in Ghana founded by the Dagomba people (Dagbamba) in the 15th century. During its rise, it comprised, at various points, the Northern Region (Ghana), North ...
.
Presently, it is located within the
Yendi Municipal District. Moliyili flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, and played a significant role in the kingdom's intellectual and cultural development. It had a clerical hierarchy administering educational centres led by the
Yidan Moli.
Today, the Yidan Moli is the head clergy officiating the
Damba festival of the
Yaa Naa
The Yaa Naa is the title of the king of Kingdom of Dagbon, Dagbon, the Kingdom of the Dagomba people, Dagomba people, located in the Northern Region of present-day Ghana. The current Yaa Naa is Mahama Abukari Gariba II. He was enskinned on Friday, ...
, the king of Dagbon, who resides in the
Gbewaa Palace of
Northern Ghana.
[{{Cite web , title=2-20: The Muslim Religion in Dagbon , url=https://www.adrummerstestament.com/2/2-20_The_Muslim_Religion_in_Dagbon_web_chapter.html , access-date=2024-04-01 , website=www.adrummerstestament.com]
Etymology
Moliyili means "House of the Learned" in the
Dagbani language
Dagbani (or Dagbane), also known as Dagbanli or Dagbanle, is a Gur language spoken in Ghana and Northern Togo. Its native speakers are estimated around 1,170,000. Dagbani is the most widely spoken language in northern Ghana, specifically among ...
(derived from moli - learned person, and yili - house).
References
Dagbon
History of Ghana
Former populated places in Ghana
Populated places in the Northern Region (Ghana)
Universities in Ghana
Education in Ghana