Renowned Scholar and Former UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, Passes Away at 68

​ILORIN, NIGERIA — The Nigerian academic community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and current Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON.

​The revered Professor of Veterinary Medicine and seasoned university administrator passed away in the early hours of Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his residence in the Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State, following a brief illness. He was 68 years old.

​A Profound Loss to the Nation

​The news of his demise was officially confirmed in a statement released by UNILORIN’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, on behalf of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.

​Expressing deep shock, Professor Egbewole described Ambali’s death as a monumental loss that reverberates far beyond the immediate university communities he served.

​”The death of Prof. Ambali is a huge loss not only to the University of Ilorin and the Kwara State University, Malete, which he served as Pro-Chancellor until his passing, but also to the entire nation and humanity,” Egbewole stated.

​The Vice-Chancellor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late icon, the academic community, and the people of the Ilorin Emirate. In accordance with Islamic rites, a Janazah (funeral prayer) was scheduled for 4:00 PM on Saturday at his Oloje Estate residence.

​A Stellar Academic and National Legacy

​Born on November 29, 1957, in Ilorin, Professor Ambali’s journey to academic prominence began at Pakata Primary School, Ilorin, before he moved north to attend McBride Secondary School (now Government Secondary School) in Jalingo, Taraba State.

​Recognized early for his brilliant mind, he secured a Borno State Government scholarship to study Veterinary Medicine at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1981. Driven by a thirst for advanced knowledge, he proceeded to the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, where he obtained his Master’s degree (M.V.Sc.) in 1984 and a PhD in 1989.

​Ambali’s career was marked by significant milestones:

ADVERTISEMENT

• ​The Maiduguri Years: He began his academic lecturing career at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in 1982, rising rapidly through the ranks to be appointed a Professor of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. During his time at UNIMAID, he served as Head of Department and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

• ​UNILORIN Stewardship: He later brought his expertise to the University of Ilorin, where he served as the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. In 2012, he was appointed the 9th Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede. During his tenure from 2012 to 2017, Ambali passionately championed infrastructure expansion and academic standards with the explicit goal of driving UNILORIN to become a top-tier institution in Africa.

• ​National and Regional Service: Beyond the classroom, Ambali served as the Chairman of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU). He was a designated North-East Coordinator for Bird Flu Surveillance and served the nation politically as a Collation Officer during the 2015 presidential elections and the Returning Officer for the Niger State governorship polls.

​Accolades and Enduring Impact

​In recognition of his immense contributions to science, veterinary medicine, and public administration, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored him with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

​He was a Fellow of several prestigious bodies, including:

• ​The College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (FCVSN)

• ​The Science Association of Nigeria (SAN)

• ​The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria
• ​The Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria

​Professor Ambali is survived by his wife, children, and a lasting legacy of institutional growth and academic excellence that has shaped thousands of professional paths across West Africa.