With heavy hearts, we at the University of Ilorin mourn the loss of our former Vice Chancellor, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON). He left us on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at the age of 68. We submit to the will of Almighty Allah during this difficult time.
Prof. Ambali was not just an administrator. He served as the university’s president from 2012 to 2017. He was a leader with a vision who valued ideas, discipline, and service. During his time as Vice Chancellor, he maintained the strong legacies left by previous leaders. He worked hard to promote academic excellence, support young minds, and create a good environment for the university to grow.
His tenure is remembered for his focus on academic achievement, growth of the institution, and development of students. He understood that a university is more than just classrooms and labs. It is also about building character, community, and having a voice. He allowed the university to train students, guide them, and share the proud stories we tell today. Many former students making a difference in Nigeria are products of the environment he helped create.
Under his leadership, the university achieved important milestones in infrastructure, research, and gained national respect. Colleagues and students remember him for being approachable, calm, wise, and dedicated to nurturing future leaders.
Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali was born on 29 November 1957 to Ambali Gidado and Husseina Angulu. He grew up in the Idi Agbede area of Okeleru Quarters, Ilorin. After finishing primary school at Pakata Primary School in Ilorin, he moved to McBride Secondary School in Jalingo, which is now known as Government Secondary School, Jalingo, in Taraba State. He then went to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1981. He also studied at the University of Liverpool in the UK, receiving his Master of Veterinary Science (M.V. Sc.) in 1984 and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Medicine in 1989.
The knowledgeable veterinarian also attended the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, UK, to earn his Animal License Certificates. He was a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow. After completing his national service in 1982, AbdulGaniyu Ambali joined the University of Maiduguri as an Assistant Lecturer. Through hard work, he became a Professor in 1995.
He served as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maiduguri twice before moving to the University of Ilorin, where he became the first Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in October 2010. Prof. Ambali also took on various national roles. He was the 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.
In April 2012, with Prof. Is-haq Oloyede’s tenure nearing its end, the University of Ilorin advertised the Vice Chancellor position. Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali expressed interest in the role. He was one of 14 professors who applied. After a thorough interview process, the Council/Senate Selection Board found him to be the best candidate. The University Council confirmed this recommendation on 25 July 2012.
Even after his time as Vice Chancellor, he continued to teach at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ilorin. At the time of his passing, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete. The late Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali knew that a great university is built on scholarship and good character.
At 68, he has finished his work here, but his legacy will remain. The policies he put in place, the staff he mentored, and the students he inspired will continue to honor him.
Adieu, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali. You were a great Unilorite, a hard worker, a humble person, and a true humanist.
May Allah accept his return, forgive his shortcomings, comfort his family, and grant him a place in Aljannah Fridaous.
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