University of Ilorin mourns death of former Vice Chancellor, Ambali, as Emir pays tribute

The University of Ilorin's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has made a solemn announcement regarding the passing of Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, the institution's 9th Vice Chancellor.

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Prof. Ambali, who served as the University's Vice Chancellor from 2012 to 2017, succumbed to a brief illness earlier this morning at the age of 68, as disclosed by the institution's Director of Information, Kunle Akogun, in a statement issued on behalf of Prof. Egbewole on Saturday.

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The demise of Prof. Ambali is being mourned as a significant loss not only by the University of Ilorin and the Kwara State University, Malete, where he was currently serving as Pro-Chancellor, but also by the nation and humanity at large, according to Prof. Egbewole.

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Prof. Egbewole has extended his condolences to the family of the esteemed scholar and the people of the Ilorin Emirate, and has invited sympathisers, particularly members of the UNILORIN community, to attend the Janazah for the late ex-Vice Chancellor at his Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin, scheduled for 4 pm today, Saturday, June 6, 2026.

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Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has expressed deep sadness over the death of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON, in a condolence message issued by his Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.

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The Emir described the late Professor Ambali as an erudite scholar, accomplished administrator, and pride of the Ilorin Emirate, whose contributions to education and national development were immense and enduring, leaving a lasting legacy.

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Alhaji Sulu-Gambari fondly remembered Professor Ambali as a man of uncommon intellect, humility, and discipline, who, during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, repositioned the University of Ilorin as a centre of academic excellence and stability, marked by peace, growth, and global recognition.

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The monarch praised Professor Ambali's dedication to serving Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria with distinction, and noted that he was a worthy ambassador of the Emirate who remained deeply connected to his roots, community, and people.

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Alhaji Sulu-Gambari extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the academic communities of both the University of Ilorin and Kwara State University, Malete, as well as the entire Ilorin Emirate, over this painful loss.

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The Emir prayed to Almighty Allah to accept Professor Ambali's good deeds, forgive his shortcomings, admit him to Al-Jannah Firdaus, and grant the family, colleagues, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.