A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has died at the age of 68.
Ambali, a respected scholar of veterinary medicine and seasoned university administrator, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his residence in Oloje Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Family sources said the former vice-chancellor died around 3 a.m., just hours after attending the Isha’i prayer at a nearby mosque on Friday night. He was not known to have been ill prior to his death.
His burial (Janazah) is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday at his residence along Air Force Road, Oloje Estate, Ilorin.
Born on November 29, 1957, in Ilorin, Ambali would have turned 69 later this year. He began his early education at Pakata Primary School and later attended Government Secondary School, Jalingo, before proceeding to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981.
He further earned a Master’s degree and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Ambali began his academic career at the University of Maiduguri before joining the University of Ilorin, where he rose to the rank of Professor and served as pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
He later became the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, serving between 2012 and 2017, a period widely noted for institutional stability and academic development. At the time of his death, he was the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University.
Over his decades-long academic career, Ambali made significant contributions to teaching, research, and university administration. He supervised numerous postgraduate students and authored more than 80 peer-reviewed scholarly publications.
He also held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Association of West African Universities, and was a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria. In recognition of his contributions to education and national development, he was honoured with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Reacting to his death, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) described his passing as a great loss to the Ilorin Emirate and the country at large.
In a statement, the union said it received the news with shock and deep sadness, describing him as “a complete patriot and perfect gentleman” who devoted his life to service and humanity.
The group also extended condolences to his family, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as colleagues, former students, and associates.
Ambali is remembered for his lasting contributions to veterinary medicine, academic excellence, and his role in strengthening the University of Ilorin’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected institutions.
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