Emulate Ambali, UNILORIN Chief Imam charges all
By Abubakar Imam
The Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam, has urged Muslims and the generality of human community to emulate the piety, simplicity and compassionate disposition of the late former Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON.
Prof. AbdusSalam gave the counsel last Monday (June 15, 2026) while conductibg a special prayer session organised by the University for the repose of the soul of the late former Vice Chancellor at the University Central Mosque.
The Chief Imam said that the late former Vice Chancellor lived a life that was devoted to kindness and goodness to all.
The cleric-don, who described the demise of the late former Vice Chancellor as a great and irreparable loss not just to his family but also to the University and humanity, explained that no one can do all he planned to do before being overtaken by death as he said that everybody would eventually leave for eternity with unfinished businesses.
He explained that since death is a debt everybody owes his creator, we must be mindful of the unfinished business we would leave behind.
The Chief Imam, who was assisted by several senior cleric-dons, including Prof. Shehu Ahmad Abdulsalam and Prof. Yahya O. Imam, among others, said that the only way one can die well and leave worthy legacies behind is by doing the right things at every time
The cleric-don later led the congregation in a solemn prayer, which was characterised by the reading from the Holy Quran for the departed former Vice Chancellor, his family and the University at large.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the University of Ilorin Muslim Community, Prof. Mudashiru Olalere Yusuf, described the late former Vice Chancellor as a pride to the University Community.
Prof. Yusuf encouraged members of the University Community to always find time to visit the family of the deceased.
In her tribute,the Amirah of the UNILORIN Muslim Ladies Circle (UMC), Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, described the late Prof. Ambali as an outstanding leader who upheld the fascinating legacies of his predecessors.
Prof. Abdulbaqi, who is also Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, explained that the UMC would continue to appreciate the late Prof. Ambali for his gender inclusivity, which culminated in his support for the emergence of Prof. Nike Yetunde Sidikat Ijaiya as the first female Deputy Vice Chancellor in the annals of the University.
She also said that Prof. Ambali would also be celebrated for several other acts of support extended to female members of the University, among others.
Also speaking, a member of the University Governing Council, Mr AbdulRasheed Gidado Dauda, described the late former Vice Chancellor as a mentor and a man whose life epitomised fairness, service and patriotism.
The family of the late former Vice Chancellor was represented at the prayer session by his widows and children as well as friends and associates.
The prayer session was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; the Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh Luqman Alade Jimoh, who was represented by the Dean of Faculty of Communication and Information Technology of the University, Prof. Isiaka Zubair Aliagan; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa and the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, who was represented
