Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, who led the University of Ilorin from 2012 to 2017, died on Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was 68.
The current Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, announced the death through a statement signed by the university's Director of Information, Kunle Akogun. Egbewole described Ambali's passing as a huge loss not only to UNILORIN and Kwara State University, Malete, where Ambali served as Pro-Chancellor, but to the entire nation.
The university scheduled Ambali's Janazah for 4 p.m. on Saturday at his Oloje Housing Estate residence in Ilorin, with the Vice Chancellor calling on staff and students to attend. Egbewole extended sympathies to Ambali's family and the people of the Ilorin Emirate.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also mourned Ambali in a statement through his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona. The Emir called Ambali an erudite scholar and accomplished administrator whose contributions to education and national development were immense and enduring.
Sulu-Gambari said Ambali was a man of uncommon intellect, humility, and discipline who repositioned UNILORIN as a centre of academic excellence during his tenure. The Emir noted that Ambali's five years as Vice Chancellor were marked by peace, growth, and global recognition for the institution. He served Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria with distinction, the Emir said.
The monarch praised Ambali for remaining connected to his roots and community despite his accomplishments. He said Ambali's counsel on matters of education, religion, and community development was thoughtful and invaluable.
Sulu-Gambari extended his condolences to Ambali's immediate and extended family, the academic communities of both universities, and the entire Ilorin Emirate. He prayed that Almighty Allah accept Ambali's good deeds, forgive his shortcomings, admit him to Al-Jannah Firdaus, and grant his family, colleagues, and associates the strength to bear the loss.
