By Demola Akinyemi Ilorin

The authorities of University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara state capital have announced plans to immortalise its late former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali.

The decision was announced by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), during a Special Senate Session held in Ilorin today Monday in honour of the late Vice Chancellor.

Professor Ambali who was the Vice chancellor in the university between 2012 and 2017 passed on at his resident in ilorin on July 6,2026 after a brief illness, aged 68.

Distinguished scholars, former Vice Chancellors, friends families and associates poured in tributes for the late Vice Chancellor describing him as a visionary leader whose impact transformed the institution.

The current Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole at the Senate special sitting said the university community was mourning the loss of a distinguished administrator while celebrating a life dedicated to service, excellence and institutional development.

“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 said.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Ambali’s administration between 2012 and 2017 consolidated the university’s core values and strengthened its position as one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions.

He listed some of the achievements recorded during the late professor’s tenure to include expansion of academic programmes, improvement in staff and student welfare, digitisation of the university library, infrastructural development, technological advancement, enhanced water and electricity supply, environmental beautification and the promotion of religious harmony on campus.

Egbewole also highlighted the establishment of the university’s oil palm plantation initiative, introduction of multifunctional identity cards, expansion of health sciences facilities, strengthening of veterinary and pharmaceutical education, promotion of research commercialisation through LABTOP and the institution’s internationalisation drive.

Reflecting on his relationship with the late academic, the Vice-Chancellor described him as a leader whose calm and humble nature concealed remarkable determination and administrative strength.

“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 said.

Egbewole urged members of the university community to sustain the achievements recorded during Ambali’s administration, noting that the special Senate session was organised to celebrate his contributions and challenge future generations to build on his legacy.

“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 stated.

He further disclosed that the university would erect a monument in memory of the late former Vice-Chancellor.

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

For his part,former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, also paid tribute to the late administrator, describing him as a humble leader, respected scholar and committed university administrator whose contributions continue to resonate across the institution.

Oloyede commended Ambali’s role in advancing academic programmes, expanding infrastructure and promoting institutional growth during his time as Vice-Chancellor.

Similarly, former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Suleyman Age, described Ambali as a distinguished scholar, humble administrator and dedicated mentor whose legacy continues to inspire members of the academic community.

According to Age, the late professor’s tenure was characterised by efforts to strengthen academic standards, expand infrastructure and deepen a culture of research and innovation.

He noted that Ambali’s leadership played a significant role in consolidating the University of Ilorin’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.

At the event, Professor Raheem Adebayo Lawal of the Department of Arts Education delivered a moving reflection on Ambali’s life, describing him as a man of humility, integrity and unwavering faith.

“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.

The professor recounted how the late academic spent the day before his death attending religious and family engagements while extending kindness and financial assistance to others.

Lawal also narrated how Ambali remained calm and composed even when confronted with false reports and administrative challenges during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

Beyond his administrative accomplishments, he described Ambali as a passionate teacher, mentor and scholar who constantly inspired younger academics and students through his knowledge and personal example.

The special 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 enduring legacy of a man many described as one of the institution’s most impactful leaders.

For many participants, the occasion was not only a farewell but also a reminder of the values of humility, service and excellence that defined Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali’s life and career.