With heavy hearts but with total submission to the Supreme Will of Almighty Allah, the University of Ilorin has mourned the passing of its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, who departed this world on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at the age of 68.

Prof Ambali, who headed the University between 2012 and 2017, was described as more than an administrator-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 by his illustrious predecessors, championed academic excellence, nurtured young minds, and created a conducive environment for all-round institutional growth.

The University remembered 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 institution room to train, to mentor, and to tell some of the glorious stories proudly told today. Many former 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, calm demeanour, infectious wisdom, and his belief in nurturing the next generation.

Born on 29 November 1957 to the family of Mallam Ambali Gidado and Mrs Husseina Angulu, Prof 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, where he graduated with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1981. He also earned a Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in 1984 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Medicine in 1989 from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. The erudite veterinarian also attended the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK, for his Animal License Certificates and 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, became a Professor in 1995.

Prof Ambali served twice as Dean of the 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 served on national assignments in various capacities, 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 position. Prof Ambali was one of 14 eminent professors that submitted applications. After a rigorous interview session, he was adjudged the most suitable and recommended by the Council/Senate Selection Board for appointment. The University Council thereafter met and ratified the Selection Board's recommendation on 25 July 2012.

The erudite scholar, who continued to engage 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 of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

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 will 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 Al-Jannatul Firdaus his perpetual abode.