TORRENTS OF TRIBUTES AS UNILORIN HOLDS SPECIAL SENATE FOR AMBALI
*Varsity promises to immortalise late ex-VC
By Isaac Lewu
Monday, June 15, 2026, was a day of endless encomiums for the late former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, as his colleagues, associates, predecessors, successors and union leaders paid glowing tributes to him, extolling his leadership qualities and humane virtues.
The event, a Special Senate session held at the University Auditorium, was organised by the management of the institution in honour of its 9th Vice Chancellor, who died penultimate Saturday (June 6, 2026) at the age of 68 years.
Leading the torrent of tributes, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, announced that a strategic monument would be erected in the University to preserve the legacies of its late 9th Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, and inspire future generations of scholars and leaders.
Prof. Egbewole said the monument would serve as a lasting reminder of the remarkable contributions of the late academic, whose tenure between 2012 and 2017 witnessed significant progress in staff and students’ welfare, academic development, infrastructural expansion, research excellence and institutional growth
According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ambali’s administration strengthened the University’s core values and sustained its reputation through initiatives such as the digitisation of the University Library, expansion of academic programmes, technological advancement, improved power and water supply, environmental beautification and the no-abandoned-project policy..
Reflecting on his personal interactions with the late former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole described him as a resourceful, accommodating and committed leader whose vision and dynamism contributed immensely to the advancement of the University. He noted that Prof. Ambali’s achievements continue to shape the institution’s development trajectory.
The legal luminary urged members of the University community to uphold and sustain the ideals, projects and values championed by the late scholar, stressing that his sacrifices should not be allowed to go in vain.
While acknowledging the inevitability of death, Prof. Egbewole, who is also a Member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, said that Prof. Ambali would remain unforgettable in the annals of the University.
He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased, asking that his shortcomings be forgiven and that he be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
