A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has passed away at the age of 68.
Ambali, a respected veterinary medicine scholar and university administrator, reportedly died 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 observing the Isha’i prayer at a nearby mosque on Friday night. He was not reported 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 education at Pakata Primary School and later attended Government Secondary School, Jalingo. He went on to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981, before earning both his Master’s and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
He started his academic career at the University of Maiduguri before joining the University of Ilorin, where he rose to become Professor of Veterinary Medicine. He also served as pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the institution.
Between 2012 and 2017, he served as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, a tenure widely regarded 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 career, Ambali made significant contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership. He supervised numerous postgraduate students and published more than 80 scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. He also held leadership positions, including Chairman of the Association of West African Universities, and was a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria.
He was honoured with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his contributions to education and national development.
Reacting to his passing, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) described his death as a painful loss to the Ilorin Emirate and the nation. The group said it received the news with shock, describing him as “a complete patriot and perfect gentleman” who served humanity with humility and dedication.
The union 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 across the academic community.
Ambali is remembered for his lifelong commitment to education, veterinary science, and institutional development, leaving behind a legacy that strengthened the University of Ilorin’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most stable and respected universities.
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