Breaking: Former UNILORIN Vice Chancellor AbdulGaniyu Ambali Dies

A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has been reported dead.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ambali, a distinguished scholar of Veterinary Medicine and university administrator, reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his residence in Oloje Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State. He was 68 years old and would have turned 69 on November 29.

Family sources told Daily Trust that the former vice-chancellor passed away around 3 a.m., a few hours after observing the Isha’i prayer at a nearby mosque on Friday night. He was not known to have been ill prior to his death.

His funeral prayer (Janazah) is scheduled for 4 p.m. at his residence along Air Force Road, Oloje Estate, Ilorin.

Ambali served as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin between 2012 and 2017. Until his death, he was the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University, a position he assumed after leaving the University of Ilorin.

He left behind a long and distinguished academic career spanning over three decades in teaching, research, and university administration, and was widely regarded as a leading figure in Veterinary Medicine and higher education in Nigeria.

Born on November 29, 1957, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Ambali began his education at Pakata Primary School before attending Government Secondary School, Jalingo. He later obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981.

He went on to earn a Master’s degree and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Before joining the University of Ilorin, he lectured at the University of Maiduguri, where he began his academic career as a teacher and researcher. He later moved to the University of Ilorin, rising to the rank of Professor of Veterinary Medicine and serving as the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Ambali was known for his contributions to academic development, research advancement, and mentorship of younger academics. He supervised numerous postgraduate students and published more than 80 scholarly works in peer-reviewed journals.

He also served as 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 signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Suleiman Shuaib Dagbo, the union said it received the news with shock and deep sadness, describing Ambali as “a complete patriot and perfect gentleman” who served humanity with humility and dedication.

The group noted that he played a significant role in the growth of the University of Ilorin and also contributed actively to the affairs of the union, including serving as chairman of its Maiduguri branch.

It added that his death was “a painful blow” to the Ilorin Emirate and extended condolences to his family, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as the leadership of Kwara State University and the University of Ilorin.

The union prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

Professor Ambali is remembered for his contributions to veterinary medicine, higher education, and the sustained reputation of the University of Ilorin as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions.