The pioneer Acting Vice-Chancellor of AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU), Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Kwara State, Professor AbdulRauf Ambali, has concluded his one-year sabbatical appointment, expressing gratitude to the University's Proprietor, Board of Trustees, and Governing Council for their steadfast support during his tenure.

Professor Ambali, a Professor of Political Science at Kwara State University, Malete, was appointed as the pioneer Acting Vice-Chancellor following the approval of AATU as a private university by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 30 April 2025.

He officially assumed office in May 2025.

In a statement released at the end of his tenure, Professor Ambali expressed satisfaction with the milestones achieved during the University's first academic year.

Under his leadership, the institution successfully commenced its maiden academic session with 614 pioneer students and secured NUC approval for 14 academic programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Following a Resource Verification exercise conducted by the NUC in April 2026, the University is now awaiting approval for 15 additional programmes, including Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Public Health, and Community Health.

As part of efforts to strengthen the University's international profile, Professor Ambali led AATU delegations to the International Association of Universities Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, where discussions focused on partnerships for student and staff exchange programmes.

He also headed another delegation to Germany to engage with leading universities, with several Memoranda of Understanding expected to be signed soon.

In furtherance of the University's commitment to expanding access to higher education, AATU also commenced admissions into its Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Professor Ambali expressed profound appreciation to the Proprietor, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin; the Board of Trustees chaired by Hon Justice Isa Ayo Salami, CFR, former President of the Court of Appeal; and the Governing Council led by Professor AbdulRasheed Na'Allah, for the confidence reposed in him and the support extended throughout his tenure as pioneer Acting Vice-Chancellor.