BREAKING: Former UNILORIN VC AbdulGaniyu Ambali Passes Away

Ambali, a distinguished scholar of Veterinary Medicine and seasoned university administrator, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his residence in Oloje Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Family sources told Daily Trust that 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 said not to have shown any prior signs of illness before his death.

He was 68 years old and would have turned 69 on November 29, 2026. His Janazah prayer 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, a tenure widely regarded as impactful in strengthening the institution’s academic stability and reputation. At the time of his passing, he was the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University.

Born on November 29, 1957, in Ilorin, he began his academic journey at Pakata Primary School before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Jalingo. He later obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981, followed by a Master’s degree and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

He began his academic career at the University of Maiduguri before joining the University of Ilorin, where he rose to the rank of professor and served as the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Over the years, he published more than 80 scholarly articles, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and contributed significantly to research and institutional development in veterinary medicine.

Ambali also held several leadership roles, including Chairman of the Association of West African Universities and Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria. In recognition of his service to education and national development, he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Reactions have continued to trail his death, with the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) describing the loss as “painful” and a major blow to the Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria’s academic community. The union praised him as “a complete patriot and perfect gentleman” who dedicated his life to education and service.

The IEDPU extended condolences to his family, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the leadership of both Kwara State University and the University of Ilorin, as well as his colleagues, students, and associates.

Professor Ambali is remembered for his decades of academic service, his contributions to veterinary science, and his role in shaping one of Nigeria’s most respected universities.