UNILORIN Moves to Immortalise Ex-Vice Chancellor Ambali as Tributes Pour In Over Legacy of Service

 

 

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has announced plans to immortalise its late former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON, as the institution paid glowing tributes to the renowned academic, administrator and mentor during a special Senate session held in his honour.

The late Professor Ambali, who served as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the university between 2012 and 2017, died on June 6, 2026, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the academic community, former university leaders, students and stakeholders.

Speaking during the Special 130th Senate Session at the University Auditorium, Ilorin, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), disclosed that the university would erect a monument within the campus to preserve Ambali’s memory and celebrate his contributions to the growth of the institution.

“Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali cannot be forgotten. We will honour his legacies with a strategic monument on our campus,” Egbewole said.

He described the late professor as a visionary leader whose administration strengthened the university’s reputation for academic excellence and institutional stability.

“As a university, we are sad, but we are celebrating a life of fulfilment and achievements. As a nation, one of our best is gone, but what we see in the palm of our hands are his candour, courage, fighting spirit and record of achievements,” he stated.

According to Egbewole, Ambali’s tenure witnessed significant improvements in staff and student welfare, expansion of academic programmes, infrastructural development, digitisation of the university library, enhanced water and power supply, environmental beautification and the promotion of religious harmony on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted achievements such as the establishment of the university’s oil palm plantation, introduction of multifunctional identity cards, strengthening of veterinary and pharmaceutical education, development of health sciences facilities, promotion of research commercialisation and expansion of international collaborations.

Reflecting on Ambali’s leadership style, Egbewole described him as “an introverted dynamo” whose calm disposition concealed remarkable determination and administrative capacity.

“I can confirm that Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali was a resourceful leader, a very accommodating leader, a committed leader, easy-going, a quintessential gentleman and a leader I acknowledge as an introverted dynamo,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor urged members of the university community to sustain the gains recorded during Ambali’s administration.

“How far have we maintained these gains? How far have we sustained these legacies? How resolved are we in ensuring that these sacrifices for our university are not in vain? All of these are the essence of this Senate Special Session,” he said.

Delivering a tribute on behalf of the Senate, Professor Raheem Adebayo Lawal described the late academic as a humble and compassionate leader who remained devoted to worship, family and humanity until his final moments.

“Like life, like death: the manner of the death of Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali appears to me as a replica of his manners in life. He was humble in life and gentle in death,” Lawal said.

He recounted how Ambali maintained fairness and composure despite pressures associated with university administration, noting that he was never afraid to admit mistakes or acknowledge valuable advice from colleagues.

Lawal further recalled the late professor’s passion for mentoring younger academics and his ability to turn ordinary interactions into valuable teaching moments.

Former Vice-Chancellor of the university and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, also paid tribute to Ambali, describing him as a humble leader, respected scholar and administrator whose impact continues to resonate across the university community.

Oloyede commended the late professor’s commitment to academic development, research, mentorship and staff welfare, noting that his contributions remain evident in the institution’s growth trajectory.

Another former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Suleyman Age, described Ambali as a distinguished scholar and committed mentor whose administration helped strengthen academic standards and consolidate the university’s standing among Nigeria’s leading institutions.

According to Age, Ambali’s leadership promoted infrastructure expansion, research development and innovation, laying a solid foundation for future growth.

Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Professor Gabriel Olatunji, who served under Ambali, described him as a leader known for humility, compassion, prudence and fairness.

“While many chief executives would simply impose decisions, Prof. Ambali would gather everyone and respectfully seek opinions before taking major decisions,” Olatunji recalled.

He said Ambali’s transparent management style, prudent use of resources and willingness to delegate responsibilities helped foster trust and productivity among members of the university management team.

“Be consistent in your good deeds, people are watching you,” Olatunji quoted the late Vice-Chancellor as advising him during one of their interactions.

Also paying tribute, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Nike Ijayya, said Ambali’s open-minded leadership style promoted consultation and strengthened relationships with staff and student unions, helping to sustain peace on campus throughout his tenure.

She noted that under his administration, the university expanded its academic offerings, secured accreditation for its programmes, developed critical infrastructure and maintained the high academic standards for which UNILORIN is widely known.

“More important for me was the trust and confidence he demonstrated in us, his subordinates, in our day-to-day assignments,” she said.

Representing the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the union’s President described Ambali as one of the finest sons of Ilorin Emirate whose contributions to education and public service brought honour to the community.

The union appealed to the university authorities to immortalise the late academic through the renaming of a monument or structure in his honour.

“Prof. Ambali has gone, but his legacy of hard work, integrity, dignity, humility, simplicity and patriotism would remain forever,” the IEDPU representative said.

The Senate session attracted serving and former vice-chancellors, principal officers, members of Senate, union leaders, students and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the life and achievements of the late scholar.

Professor Ambali is widely remembered for his contributions to institutional development, academic excellence, mentorship and administrative stability, with many speakers at the event agreeing that his legacy will continue to shape the future of the University of Ilorin for years to come.