Former UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor and KWASU Pro-Chancellor Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali Dies at 68

The Nigerian academic community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

According to an official statement by UNILORIN's Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the renowned university administrator and veterinary medicine scholar died in the early hours of Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his Oloje Estate residence in Ilorin after a brief illness.A Distinguished Career in AcademiaProfessor Ambali served as the Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN from 2012 to 2017.

During his tenure, he was celebrated for sustaining the institution's stable academic calendar, pioneering the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine as its first dean, and enhancing global institutional visibility. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

Educational Background: He obtained his Veterinary Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1981, before earning both his Master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.National Recognition: For his immense contributions to higher education and veterinary science, he was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the National Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).Regional Impact: He previously chaired the Association of West African Universities (AWAU) and lectured at the University of Maiduguri between 1982 and 1995.

Tributes and Burial ArrangementsReacting to the news, the current Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, described Ambali's death as a monumental loss to the university, the host state, and the nation at large. Similarly, the management of KWASU extended deep condolences to the bereaved family, praying for comfort during this difficult time.In line with Islamic rites, the university community and family members have scheduled the Janazah (funeral prayer) for the late academic to hold at his residence in Ilorin.