The University of Ilorin held a special senate session to honour its late ninth Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, with administrators, academics, and students gathering to pay tribute to a man they described as a visionary leader and builder of enduring legacies.

Ambali, who served as Vice Chancellor from 2012 to 2017, passed away on June 6, 2026, leaving behind what colleagues described as a legacy of academic excellence, infrastructural development, Institutional stability, and unwavering commitment to the niversity's growth.

Speaking at the solemn session held at the University Auditorium, current Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN) described death as "the invisible claws that clasp indiscriminately," noting that Ambali's contributions would remain indelible in the Institution's history. Egbewole disclosed that Ambali's tenure was marked by transformational leadership, humility, patience, and dedication to the university's core values, particularly the sustenance of its uninterrupted academic calendar.

He highlighted several achievements recorded under Ambali's administration, including staff and student welfare initiatives, expansion of academic programmes, digitisation of the University library, infrastructural development, improved water and power supply, environmental beautification, internationalisation efforts, sports development, and the promotion of religious harmony.

“Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali inherited an intellectual palace and handed over a castle of knowledge and reality. His footprints remain visible across the University, and it is our collective responsibility to sustain the gains achieved during his tenure,” Egbewole stated.

He further described Ambali as a resourceful, accommodating, and focused leader whose commitment to service translated into remarkable achievements for the university.

Comrade Adelu Ayomo, President of the Students' Union, described Ambali as one of the most illustrious personalities to have occupied the office of vice chancellor at the University of Ilorin. He noted that Ambali's death represented a monumental loss not only to the university community but also to the academic world, the veterinary profession, and Nigeria as a whole.

Ayomo added that Ambali belonged to a rare class of leaders whose impact transcended their years in office, observing that generations of students continue to benefit from the structures, systems, and values established during his administration.