HARVEST OF TRIBUTES
“Prof. Ambali was everything positive said about him. I worked with him closely. I was among those who convinced him to transfer his services from the University of Maiduguri, where he was not doing badly, to the University of Ilorin. He assisted greatly in making the University of Ilorin to become a complete University. May Allah forgive him and grant his soul Aljanat Fridaous.”
Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and outgoing Registrar and Chief Executive, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
‘‘The death of Prof. Ambali is a great loss. In the last two and a half years that he served as KWASU Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ambali did very well in raising KWASU to greater heights. He would be sorely missed”.
Prof. Shaykh Luqman Alade Jimoh,
Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Malete.
‘‘Prof. Ambali was a mentor to me and several other individuals. My relationship with him lasted forty years and I gained a lot from him as I worked with him at the University of Maiduguri and at the University of Ilorin. He would be greatly missed “.
“It is with a heavy heart, yet with profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we mourn the passing of our distinguished former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON. His tenure at the University of Ilorin remains a shining example of exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and deep humanity. Through his wisdom, humility, and dedication to service, he earned the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of working with him.”
Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla,
Registrar,
University of Ilorin.
“Prof. Ambali was a visionary leader, accomplished scholar, and humble administrator whose leadership significantly advanced the growth and stability of the University of Ilorin. His tenure was characterised by a deep commitment to institutional harmony, staff welfare, and academic excellence. He was widely regarded as a bridge-builder within the university community.”
Mr Falowo Olushola Naheem
Chairman, SSANU, UNILORIN Branch
“Prof. Ambali was much more than a Vice Chancellor; he was a father figure whose compassion, humility, and genuine concern for people endeared him to all. He treated staff members with dignity and respect, irrespective of their status, and was always willing to listen to their concerns. His approachable nature and caring disposition made him a source of comfort and inspiration to many within the University of Ilorin community.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Prof. Ambali was a mentor to countless individuals.”
Mr Ibrahim Suberu
Chairman, NASU, UNILORIN Branch.
“The passing of Prof. Ambali is the loss of an exceptional leader whose influence extended far beyond his office as Vice Chancellor. To many members of the University of Ilorin community, he was a father, mentor, and trusted guide who was genuinely interested in the personal and professional development of those around him. His humility, fairness, and accessibility earned him the admiration and affection of staff and students alike.
Prof. Ambali possessed a remarkable ability to inspire others through both words and actions.”
Dr Awolola
Chairman, NAAT, UNILORIN Branch.
“Prof. Ambali was a transformative Vice Chancellor whose tenure from 2012 to 2017 marked a defining era in the history of the University of Ilorin. He was a visionary leader, distinguished scholar, and father figure whose administration elevated the reputation, nationally and internationally of the University. His leadership was defined by discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
During his administration, the University of Ilorin witnessed significant infrastructural development, sustained academic stability, and the strengthening of its position as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions of higher learning.”
University of Ilorin Alumni Association (National Executive Committee)
(Prof. A. O. Kilani – National President & Chief Olorunsuwa Elijah Ola – National Publicity Secretary)
“I first met Prof. Ambali, in 2012 at the University of Ilorin, and my closer interaction with him began when he became Vice-Chancellor while I was serving as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry. At that time, the Faculty was still in its early years, and I had several opportunities to engage him on issues relating to its growth, development, and consolidation. In all these engagements, he demonstrated a deep commitment to academic advancement and institutional stability. He was a gentleman to the core—calm, approachable, and always willing to listen. He had a unique leadership style that combined humility with quiet strength, inspiring confidence and respect across all levels of the University community”.
Prof. Taibat Moji Bakare-Odunola
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Ilorin.
“Prof. Ambali possessed a gentle demeanour, walking softly and speaking softly—a true gentleman in every sense. As a distinguished academic and astute administrator, his presence illuminated many lives, including his department, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the entire University community. His leadership was marked by humility, wisdom, and quiet strength.
My heartfelt prayer is that Almighty God grants his family, friends, and colleagues the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen”.
Prof. Adegboyega A. Fawole
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), University of Ilorin.
“The passing of Prof. A.G. Ambali is a painful loss to the University of Ilorin and the Nigerian University system. I had the privilege of serving under him first as Dean of Student Affairs and later Director of Academic Planning. He was a leader with calm strength. Prof. Ambali combined intellect with humility and pursued excellence without noise. As Vice Chancellor from 2012 to 2017, he deepened Unilorin’s “Better by Far” identity through calendar stability, quality assurance, and sincere care for staff and students. He made tough decisions with calm wisdom and trusted those who worked with him. Beyond administration, he was a man of faith, simplicity, and generosity. He mentored many of us without fanfare. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus”.
Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho,
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic),
University of Ilorin.
“I was the Chairman of ASUU when he was Vice Chancllor; I felt humbled by his amiable disposition even to seemingly complicated issues. His exit is one death too many for our University and Ilorin Community. May Allah grant Him a peaceful repose in Jannah”.
Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem,
Director, Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre, University of Ilorin.
“Alhamdulillah. We are grateful to Allah for the life of Prof. Ambali. He lived a remarkable life dedicated to helping individuals, serving his community, and transforming the educational system in Nigeria. He made immense contributions to the society and left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him eternal rest”.
Prof. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo,
Dean, Faculty of Education,
University of Ilorin and Member, Governing Council,
Kwara State University, Malete.
“Very fantastic human being and respectiful. He had the love of his community at heart. He meant so well to different kind of people. I wish that Almighty Allah should grant him Aljanat Fridaous and give us the grace to bear the irreparable loss”.
Alhaji Ibraheem Yinka Yahaya,
Seasoned banker and community leader.
“Prof. Ambali was a nice man who loved everyone. He was quite helpful. He was of great assistance to the community. He has been rewarded with good ending”.
Shaykh Abdullahi Alaya, Zonal Missioner, NASFAT, Ilorin.
“He was a brother. A very nice person. A very humble and unassuming gentleman. He lived a very purposeful live and impacted on many lives. We thank God for his life even though we are touched by his sudden death”.
Dr Uthman AbdulRahman Ajidagba,
Ex-Resident Commissioner,
Independent National Electoral Commission,
Nasarawa State.
“The humanity lost. The global community lost. The academic community lost. We have that succour that the Almighty Allah would continue to grant him Aljanat Fridaous, comfort his Family and the University. He came. He saw. He conquered”
Prof. AbdulRasheed Abiodun Adeoye,
Director of the Academic Planning Unit,
University of Ilorin.
“Prof. Ambali was a humble, respectful, and compassionate individual who always had the welfare of his community at heart. He was a man who touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and commitment to humanity. His impact was felt across different sectors and among people from all walks of life”.
Prof. Salihu Moyosore Ajao,
Provost,
College of Health Sciences,
Kwara State University,
Malete.
“Those of us who worked closely with him would always remember him as a very humble and unassuming person. We take solace in the fact that he lived a purposeful and fulfilled life, positively influencing many people. Though saddened by his passing, we submit to the will of Allah and pray for strength to bear the loss”.
Prof. Ibrahim Kayode Adam,
Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Staff Association, University of Ilorin.
“Prof. Ambali was a stabiliser who led the University during a critical period. He was known for keeping his promises, maintaining stability, and touching many lives. His leadership inspired confidence, and whenever he said, “We will see what we can do,” people trusted that a solution would be found. He is remembered as a cheerful man who was rarely seen without a smile. He lived a fulfiled life”.
Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu,
Ag. Dean, Student Affairs and Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),
University of Ilorin.
“He was an erudite scholar. He was very supportive and accommodating and very humble”. May Allah forgive his shortcomings”.
Alhaji AbdulHamid Adi,
Former President,
Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union
“He was simply a nice fellow. I have known him since the early 1980s when he was a young veterinary doctor. He never changed as he remained a nice person throughout”.
Alhaji Tijani Orisankanko
Businessman and community leader
‘‘Prof. Ambali’s legacy will continue to live on through the institutions he strengthened, the lives he transformed, and the countless people he inspired. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds abundantly, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire academic community the strength to bear this irreparable loss.’’
Mr Muizdeen Mahmud Adewole,
Directorate of Corporate Affairs,
University of Ilorin.
“He was a man who lived according to the dictates of his religion. He was of sound character”.
Shaykh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, OON,
Grand Mufti of Ilorin.
“He was not just a father but Baba in the true sense of the word. He was quite helpful and exemplary. We will sorely miss him.
Prof. Olubukola C. Dada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Kwara State University, Malete.
“Prof. Ambali was an extraordinary fellow and academic and administrator per excellence. He was a unique leader who impacted on KWASU vigorously”.
Dr Wasilat Kikelomo Salle,
Registrar,
Kwara State University, Malete.
“He was quite exemplary. He was an embodiment of faith and service. He served the nation and humanity adequately throughout his life”.
Hajiya Aduke Rahmat Kuranga,
Former Kwara State Commissioner for Health.
“We have missed a good neighbour. We have missed a fantastic member of our community. We felt his impacts. We are going to miss him”.
Alhaji Musa Taiye Aiyelabegan,
Chairman, Aliagan Area Residents Association,
Shehu Shagari Housing Estate, Oloje, Ilorin
“He was what what so many elites are not. He shared happiness. He was quite helpful and exemplary in every way”.
Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim,
Former National Publicity Secretary,
Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union.
“He was a great man. A unique in-law and remarkable father to his children. He was always smiling. I have never seen him frightening his face”.
Dr Salaudeen Funsho AbdulRazaq
Brother in-law of the late Prof. Ambali
