Faculty of Vet Medicine holds special tributes session for Ambali, pioneer Dean
Last Thursday (June 11, 2026), the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, held a Special Faculty Board Meeting to honour its founding Dean, the late Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the Faculty and the University.
The event provided an opportunity for colleagues, mentees, and members of the Faculty to reflect on the late don’s enduring impact on staff of the Faculty and the wider university community, as well as celebrate his life, eulogise his achievements, and preserve the values and legacy he represented.
The Special Board Meeting commenced with a solemn academic procession of past Deans of the Faculty, Heads of Departments, Professors, Senior Lecturers, and other academic staff members.
The procession moved from the office of the late Prof. Ambali at the old Faculty Administrative building to the Faculty Board Room, where torrents of tributes poured forth.
Faculty members took turns to pour encomiums and personal reflections on the late erudite veterinarian. The session became a moment of remembrance as lecturers recounted how they met the late Prof. Ambali and reflected on the significant role he played in shaping their professional and personal journeys.
One of the notable tributes was delivered by Prof. Sulyman Funsho Ambali, a former Dean of the Faculty and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), who reflected on his first interaction with the deceased.
He recounted how late Prof. Ambali had encouraged and persuaded him to leave Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and come to Ilorin to contribute towards the establishment and growth of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. His remarks highlighted the late don’s vision, determination, and commitment to building a strong academic institution through collaboration and mentorship.
Several senior Faculty members, including the Dean, other past Deans, Prof. S.O. Salami and Prof. M.A. Raji, the Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Prof. I. A. Raufu, and others, echoed similar sentiments in their remarks. They emphasised the enormous sacrifices, commitment, and collective effort invested in establishing the Faculty and urged current and future members of staff not to let those efforts be in vain.
The speakers encouraged all lecturers to continually remember Prof. Ambali uphold the principles he stood for, and offer prayers for him. They further urged members of staff to preserve his legacy by remaining committed to excellence, carrying out their responsibilities diligently, and always striving to contribute positively to the continued growth and development of the Faculty.
Another significant contribution came from Prof. Odetokun, who proposed that the Faculty should consider developing a formal plan to immortalise the late Prof. Ambali. The suggested the creation of a lasting memorial or institutional recognition in honour of the late pioneer Dean of the Faculty to ensure that his contributions are remembered within the Faculty and across the wider university community by generations to come.
Other lecturers also shared heartfelt accounts of how the late Professor had positively impacted their lives at different stages of their careers. Many spoke about opportunities he created, the support he extended during difficult periods, and the encouragement he provided to younger academics.
