The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has expressed deep sadness over the death of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiy Ambali.
In a condolence message issued on Saturday in Ilorin by the Emir’s spokesperson, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the royal father described the late Ambali as an erudite scholar, accomplished administrator and pride of the Ilorin Emirate, who contributed immensely to education and national development.
“Prof. Ambali was a man of uncommon intellect, humility and discipline.
“As Vice-Chancellor, he repositioned the University of Ilorin as a centre of academic excellence and stability. His tenure was marked by peace, growth and global recognition for the institution.
“He was a worthy ambassador of the Emirate who never detached himself from his roots, community and people.
“His counsel on matters of education, religion and community development was always thoughtful and invaluable,” he said.
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Sulu-Gambari, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, extended his condolences to the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the academic community and the entire Ilorin Emirate.
He prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the deceased’s good deeds, forgives his shortcomings, admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus and grants his family, colleagues and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete, Prof. Jimoh Shaykh-Luqman, described the death of Ambali, the institution’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, as a great loss to humanity.
In a condolence message issued by the university’s Director of Public Relations, Saeedat Aliyu, Shaykh-Luqman described the late Ambali as a distinguished Nigerian who was straightforward in his dealings.
He noted that the deceased was highly cerebral, committed to the growth of KWASU and the larger Kwara community, and an exemplary administrator who led the Governing Council with wisdom and a strong sense of commitment.
According to him, Ambali’s impact will be felt not only within the KWASU community but across many institutions and communities beyond Kwara State.
Shaykh-Luqman commiserated with Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, the immediate and extended family, colleagues and friends on the loss of an illustrious personality.
He prayed that Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives all those affected the fortitude to bear the loss.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ambali was appointed the fourth Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of KWASU Governing Council on Jan. 24, 2024.
He previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2012 to 2017.
Ambali died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 68.
NAN
