The University of Ilorin has announced the passing of its former Vice Chancellor, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, who died on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at the age of 68. The institution expressed profound grief while submitting to the will of Almighty Allah.
A Visionary Leader Remembered
Professor Ambali served as the university’s president between 2012 and 2017. He was described as a visionary leader who believed in the power of ideas, discipline, and service. During his tenure, he sustained the legacies of his predecessors and championed academic excellence, nurturing young minds and creating a conducive environment for institutional growth.
Colleagues and students remember him for his accessibility, calm demeanour, infectious wisdom, and commitment to nurturing the next generation. Many alumni who are now making significant contributions across Nigeria are products of the enabling environment he helped create.
Academic and Professional Journey
Born on 29 November 1957 to the family of Ambali Gidado and Husseina Angulu, Professor Ambali hailed from the Idi Agbede axis of Okeleru Quarters, Ilorin. He attended Pakata Primary School, Ilorin, and McBride Secondary School, Jalingo (now Government Secondary School, Jalingo), Taraba State. He graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1981.
He furthered his studies at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, earning a Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in 1984 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Medicine in 1989. He also attended the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, for his Animal License Certificates and was a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow.
Career Highlights
After his national service in 1982, he joined the University of Maiduguri as an Assistant Lecturer. Through hard work and excellence, he became a Professor in 1995. He served twice as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maiduguri before moving to the University of Ilorin, where he became the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in October 2010.
He also served on national assignments, including 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.
Selection as Vice Chancellor
In April 2012, following the advertisement for the Vice Chancellor position, Professor Ambali was among 14 eminent professors who applied. After a rigorous interview, he was adjudged the most suitable and recommended by the Council/Senate Selection Board. The University Council ratified the recommendation on 25 July 2012.
Legacy and Final Years
Even after his tenure as Vice Chancellor, Professor Ambali remained active in teaching at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Until his death, he served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
The university noted that his legacy lives on through the policies he signed, the staff he mentored, and the students he inspired. The statement concluded with a prayer for Allah to accept his return, forgive his shortcomings, comfort his family, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.
The tribute was signed by Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin.
