By Ghazali Ibrahim
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has announced the death of its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. He was 68.
Ambali served as the university’s 9th Vice-Chancellor from 2012 to 2017 and was, until his death, the Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Information, Kunle Akogun, on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), the institution described his death as a significant loss to UNILORIN, KWASU, Kwara State, and the nation.
Egbewole sympathised with Ambali’s family and the people of the Ilorin Emirate, urging members of the university community and other sympathisers to attend the Janazah prayer scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday at his residence in Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin.
Also mourning the late academic, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Ambali as an accomplished scholar and administrator whose contributions to education and national development would remain unforgettable.
In a condolence message issued through his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the monarch said Ambali distinguished himself through intellectual excellence, humility, and discipline.
The Emir noted that during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Ambali strengthened UNILORIN’s reputation as a leading institution known for academic excellence, stability, and growth.
He further described the deceased as a proud son of the Ilorin Emirate who remained committed to the development of his community and consistently offered valuable counsel on educational, religious, and social matters.
The monarch extended condolences to Ambali’s family, the academic communities of UNILORIN and KWASU, and the entire Ilorin Emirate, praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
