By Kunle Akogun
With heavy hearts but with total submission to the Supreme Will of Almighty Allah, we, at the University of Ilorin, mourn the passing of our former Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, who departed this world on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the age of 68.
Prof. Ambali, who headed the University between 2012 and 2017, was more than an administrator. He was a visionary leader who believed in the power of ideas, discipline, and service. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor, he sustained the glowing legacies bequeathed to him by some of his illustrious predecessors. He also championed academic excellence, nurtured young minds, and created a conducive environment for all-round institutional growth.
During his tenure, he was widely regarded as a visionary and transformational leader who prioritised academic excellence, institutional growth, and student development.
We remember him as a leader who understood that a university is not just lecture halls and laboratories, but also character, community, and voice. He gave the University room to train, to mentor, and to tell some of the glorious stories we proudly tell today. Many of the ex-students now making waves across Nigeria are products of the enabling environment he helped create.
Under his leadership, the University recorded significant milestones in infrastructure, research, and national reputation.
Beyond policies and projects, colleagues and students remember him for his accessibility, his calm demeanor, infectious wisdom, and his belief in nurturing the next generation.
Born on November 29, 1957 to the family of Mallam Ambali Gidado and Mrs. Husseina Angulu, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali hailed from the Idi Agbede axis of Okeleru Quarters, Ilorin.
After his primary education at Pakata Primary School, Ilorin, he proceeded to McBride Secondary School, Jalingo, (now Government Secondary School, Jalingo), Taraba State. Thereafter, he attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from where he graduated with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1981. He was also at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, for his Master of Veterinary Science (M.V. Sc.) (1984), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Medicine (1989). The erudite Veterinarian also attended the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK for his Animal License Certificates. He is a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow.
Immediately after his national service in 1982, the young Ambali joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as Assistant Lecturer and by dint of hard work and academic excellence, he became a Professor in 1995.
Prof. Ambali was two-time Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri before transferring his services to the University of Ilorin where he became the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in October 2010.
The erudite scholar was on national assignments in various capacities at various times, prominent among which were Collation Officer for the 2015 Presidential Election in Niger State, Returning Officer for the 2015 Governorship Election in Niger State, and Returning Officer for the 2017 Governorship Election in Ondo State.
With the impending expiration of the tenure of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede and the advertisement of the vacancy for the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin in April 2012, the consummate veterinarian showed interest in the job. Prof. Ambali was one of the 14 eminent Professors that turned in their application letters.
After a rigorous interview session, Prof. Ambali was adjudged the most suitable and he was recommended by the Council/Senate Selection Board for appointment. The University Council, thereafter, ratified the Selection Board’s recommendation on July 25, 2012.
The erudite scholar, who still engaged in active teaching at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin after his vice chancellorship tenure, was until his death the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
The late Prof. Ambali understood that a great university is built on both scholarship and character.
At 68, his work here is done, but his legacy will continue to live after him. The policies he signed, the staff he mentored, and the students he inspired would continue to speak for him.
Adieu, Prof. Ambali. There goes a great Unilorite, an embodiment of hard work, an epitome of humility, and a quintessential humanist.
May Allah accept his return, forgive his shortcomings, comfort the family he left behind, and make Aljannah Fridaous his perpetual abode.
Akogun is the Director, Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin