UNILORIN management pays condolence visit to Ambali’s family
By Isaac Lewu
The management of the University of Ilorin has visited the Oloje Housing Estate residence of the late former Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, to formally condole with members of his family.
The visit, which was led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, took place yesterday, Tuesday (June 9, 2026).
Speaking at the family house, Prof. Egbewole described the passing of the former Vice Chancellor as a painful loss not only to the University but also to the entire higher education community in Nigeria.
He said that the late Prof. Ambali left behind an enduring legacy of dedicated service, exemplary leadership and commitment to institutional development.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the University had concluded arrangements to organise a special Senate session in honour of the late Prof. Ambali on Monday, June 15, 2026, adding that former Vice Chancellors, leaders of staff unions and other stakeholders would participate in the event. He also revealed that special prayers would be offered for the repose of the late scholar’s soul, after which messages and tributes received by the University would be formally presented to the family.
Prof. Egbewole noted that the impact of the late former Vice Chancellor was felt across every segment of the University community, recalling that he served the institution with distinction and provided mentorship to many academics and administrators. He added that Prof. Ambali’s contributions continued to resonate in the University long after the completion of his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
The legal luminary further stated that even from the numerous tributes and testimonies that emerged following his death, it was evident that Prof. Ambali lived a worthy and impactful life. He, therefore, prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Prof. Egbewole also presented a condolence letter and other gifts to the family on behalf of the University community, assuring them of the institution’s continued support during the period of mourning. He expressed optimism that members of the family would participate in the University’s planned activities in honour of the late administrator.
Earlier, the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, said that the late Prof. Ambali lived a fulfilled and exemplary life worthy of emulation. He expressed gratitude to God for granting the deceased a peaceful transition after years of selfless service to humanity.
Mr Alfanla remarked that individuals who discharge their responsibilities diligently and leave positive footprints in society have little reason to fear death, stressing that just as lives are celebrated, worthy departures should also be remembered with gratitude. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and for long life and divine guidance for the University leadership.
Responding on behalf of the family, the daughter of the late Vice Chancellor, Mrs Asmau Belgore, expressed profound appreciation to the University management for the visit and the show of love extended to the family.
She prayed that the legacies left behind by her father would continue to flourish and positively impact future generations.
According to her, the late Prof. Ambali remained deeply committed to the growth and progress of the University of Ilorin, a passion that enabled him to realise many of his professional aspirations.
Mrs Belgore described her father as a kind, gentle and loving parent whose care and devotion extended beyond his immediate family to countless individuals who came in contact with him. She recalled that despite losing his own parents at a young age, he became a remarkable father and grandfather whose life was marked by compassion, humility and service.
She prayed that Almighty Allah would accept all prayers offered on his behalf and grant him Aljanat Firdaus while comforting the entire Ummah he left behind.
Also on the entourage were some Governing Council members; Prof. Godwin Tunde Arosanyin, Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem, Prof. Muftau Adeniyi Ijaiya, Prof. Raji AbdulGafar Bello, and Prof. Mariam Abdulraheem-Mustapha,
Also on the delegation were the Deputy Vice Chancellor(Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Odunola- Bakare; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the University Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and the Provost College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, among others.
