Former UNILORIN VC Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali Dies at 68

ILORIN, Nigeria – Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) , has passed away at the age of 68. The renowned veterinary medicine scholar and distinguished university administrator died early Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, at his home in Oloje Estate, Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, officially announced the death of the university’s 9th Vice-Chancellor, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON. The statement read: “Prof. Ambali, who headed the university from 2012 to 2017, died earlier this morning after a brief illness. He was 68.” According to family sources, Professor Ambali passed away around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. The news came as a profound shock to his associates and the wider academic community, as he was not known to have been seriously ill prior to his death. In fact, he had comfortably attended the Isha’i (night) prayer at a nearby mosque just hours earlier on Friday night. While the university’s official statement noted that he died after a brief illness, family sources indicated he appeared to be in good spirits at the religious service hours before his passing.

Professor Egbewole described Ambali’s death as “a huge loss not only to the University of Ilorin and the Kwara State University, Malete, which he currently serves as Pro-Chancellor, but also to the entire nation and humanity.” The Vice-Chancellor, who has sympathized with the family of the great scholar and the people of the Ilorin Emirate, enjoined sympathizers, particularly members of the UNILORIN community, to attend the Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) for the late ex-Vice Chancellor at his Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin, by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026. At the time of his death, Ambali was actively serving as the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete — a role he took on after completing his impactful tenure at UNILORIN. His passing represents a significant loss to KWASU, where he was described by university officials as a committed, visionary leader who brought his decades of administrative experience to bear on the institution’s development.

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The late professor was born on November 29, 1957, in Ilorin, Kwara State. He began his educational journey at Pakata Primary School, Ilorin, before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Jalingo (formerly known as McBride Secondary School) in Taraba State. His pursuit of higher education took him to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1981. He later traveled to the United Kingdom, earning both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the prestigious University of Liverpool — a testament to his intellectual rigor and commitment to academic excellence. Ambali began his academic career as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Maiduguri in 1982, where he rose through the ranks and became a Professor of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. During his time at UNIMAID, he built a solid foundation as a researcher, educator, and mentor to countless students. He later joined the University of Ilorin, where he continued to distinguish himself, eventually rising to become the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the institution — a role that underscored his leadership in establishing and developing veterinary education at UNILORIN. Throughout his career spanning more than three decades, Professor Ambali mentored numerous scholars, supervised countless postgraduate students, and published more than 80 scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in veterinary medicine and animal health.

Ambali served as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2012 to 2017, succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede and later handing over to Professor Sulyman Age Abdulkareem at the end of his five-year tenure. His tenure is widely remembered for consolidating UNILORIN’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most stable, strike-free, and highly sought-after public universities. During his leadership, the institution maintained its tradition of uninterrupted academic calendars — a feat that set UNILORIN apart from many other federal universities in Nigeria that frequently grapple with industrial actions. In a November 2025 interview on UNILORIN 89.3FM, Ambali reflected on the institution’s unique attributes, proudly noting that it is the only public university that ran its academic calendar for more than two decades without any form of disruption. He also stated that discipline among staff and students remained one of the most significant attributes that make the institution unique, explaining that parents and families often admired remarkable positive differences in their children as soon as they were matriculated. These changes, he said, ranged from dressing, manners, and general dispositions to life compared to what was visible in them before becoming “Unilorites.” In a 2017 interview with Vanguard News, Ambali reflected on his leadership philosophy, describing himself as a democrat who believes in the rule of law and the will of the majority. “My mandate is to look after the interest of everybody, academic or non-teaching staff,” he stated, explaining his approach to navigating the complex politics of university administration. Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Ambali also served as Chairman of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU) , demonstrating his influence in regional higher education development and his commitment to fostering collaboration among universities across West Africa.

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In recognition of his immense contributions to education and national development, the Federal Government conferred upon him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — one of Nigeria’s prestigious civilian awards. He was also a recipient of the Distinguished Veterinarian Award in 2013 by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession in Nigeria. Professor Ambali was a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (FCVSN) , a distinction he earned in 2009 after becoming a Member (MCVSN) in 2004. He also held fellowships with the Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) , the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria , and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria. His professional service included roles as a member of the National Universities Commission (NUC) , the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) , and the Department of Livestock Services of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, where he participated in the accreditation of several institutions and agencies.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the academic community and beyond, with the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) describing his demise as a painful, irreparable loss to both the Emirate and the nation. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Suleiman Shuaib Dagbo, the union expressed deep sadness, describing Professor Ambali as “a complete patriot and perfect gentleman” who served humanity with absolute humility and dedication. The IEDPU noted that beyond his academic feats, the late professor was an active community leader, having served as the chairman of the union’s Maiduguri branch and presiding over the opening ceremony of its 2018 national conference. “His death is not only a terrible blow but an incident that diminishes the people of the Ilorin Emirate,” the statement read. The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, also expressed deep sadness over the death. In a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described the late Professor Ambali as an erudite scholar, accomplished administrator, and pride of the Ilorin Emirate whose contributions to education and national development were immense and enduring. Alhaji Sulu-Gambari added: “Professor 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 served Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria with distinction. 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.” The monarch extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the academic communities of both the University of Ilorin and Kwara State University, Malete, as well as the entire Ilorin Emirate over this painful loss.

For readers seeking a quick summary of the key details, the following information has been confirmed. Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali was born on November 29, 1957, in Ilorin, Kwara State, and died on June 6, 2026, at age 68. He earned his DVM from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1981 and his Master’s and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Liverpool. He served as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2012 to 2017, where he consolidated the institution’s reputation as a strike-free university. At the time of his death, he was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University, Malete. He was a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (FCVSN). He was also the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UNILORIN. His Janazah is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his residence in Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin.

Former UNILORIN VC Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali Dies at 68

Outrage as WAEC WASSCE Exams Run Into Night, Trigger Fresh Concerns

LAGOS — The ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has been disrupted by widespread delays in parts of Lagos, forcing candidates to sit for papers late into the night and reigniting concerns over examination logistics and student welfare.

The examination, conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), reportedly suffered repeated delays across several centres, particularly on Lagos Island and the Lekki axis, where candidates waited hours beyond scheduled times before beginning their papers.

The development has drawn criticism from parents, school administrators and education stakeholders, coming barely a year after similar disruptions saw students writing examinations as late as midnight in some centres.

According to checks at multiple centres, the delays became more severe earlier in the week, affecting core subjects including Physics and Mathematics.

On Monday, Physics Papers 1 and 2, scheduled for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., reportedly did not start on time, with some candidates only beginning and completing the second paper around 8 p.m.

On Wednesday, candidates writing General Mathematics also experienced prolonged delays. The morning essay paper, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and the objective paper slated for 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., were reportedly not completed until around 10 p.m. in some centres.

By Thursday evening, candidates scheduled for the Agricultural Science Practical were still waiting for examination materials several hours after the expected start time, with reports indicating that question papers had not arrived at some centres.

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A school principal, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as distressing and harmful to candidates’ performance.

“Why are we experiencing this again after what happened last year? Apart from the security concerns in the country, these delays have psychological effects on candidates,” the principal said, noting that students were being forced to write exams late at night after long hours of waiting.

A parent in the Lekki area also expressed frustration, saying the recurring delays showed that lessons had not been learned from previous examination cycles.

“My child returned home around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. We expected improvement after last year, but the same issues are happening again,” he said.

The situation has also sparked widespread reactions on social media, where parents and concerned citizens lamented poor coordination, delayed arrival of examination materials, and alleged lapses in supervision at some centres.

Some users claimed that candidates were left waiting for hours before invigilators arrived, while others raised concerns about unofficial fees allegedly demanded in some centres for examination materials such as mathematical sets. These claims, however, remain unverified.

Education stakeholders have warned that repeated night-time examinations could expose students to safety risks, reduce concentration levels, and undermine the credibility of the WASSCE examination process.

A WAEC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed awareness of the disruptions and attributed them to unforeseen logistical challenges.

“Yes, we are aware of some hitches due to unforeseen circumstances. However, we are doing everything possible to address the issues, and hopefully, things will return to normal soon,” the official said.

However, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has yet to issue a formal public statement detailing the causes of the delays or outlining corrective measures.

Stakeholders are now calling on WAEC to urgently investigate the recurring logistical failures, improve coordination with security and logistics partners, and ensure strict adherence to examination timetables to prevent further disruption.

Education analysts warn that unless systemic issues are addressed, repeated delays could continue to affect candidates’ performance and erode public confidence in the examination system.

Outrage as WAEC WASSCE Exams Run Into Night, Trigger Fresh Concerns

NUT, ANCOPSS Lead Nationwide Protest Over Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) on Tuesday staged coordinated protests across Nigeria, demanding the immediate rescue of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The nationwide demonstrations came as pressure mounted on security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for more than two weeks following a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The protest followed a directive from the national leadership of the NUT, which recently declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and instructed its branches across the country to organize solidarity rallies in support of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

In a statement issued by ANCOPSS National Secretary, Tawo Akuben, the association said school principals nationwide were mobilized to participate in the protest as part of efforts to draw national attention to the plight of the victims.

According to the statement, the trauma and suffering being endured by the abducted children and their teachers have become a source of concern for educators across the country.

“The pains, psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the abducted is better imagined than felt,” the statement noted, adding that the protest was in response to calls for urgent intervention to secure their freedom.

The National President of ANCOPSS, Dr. Robert Ike Okorie, directed state executives of the association, including those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to mobilize principals in their respective states to participate in the solidarity rallies.

Reports indicated that demonstrations took place in several states, including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory. In Lagos, protesters marched from the Balogun area of Ikeja toward the state secretariat in Alausa, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards demanding the release of the victims.

The demonstrators temporarily occupied parts of major roads as they called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the captives. Similar rallies were also held in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Abeokuta and other locations, where teachers, principals, education administrators and concerned citizens joined the campaign.

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Education stakeholders described the abduction as a direct assault on Nigeria’s education sector, warning that continued attacks on schools could discourage enrollment and undermine learning outcomes, particularly in rural communities.

The protests stem from the May 15 attack on schools located in Ahoro-Esin-Ele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA of Oyo State. During the attack, armed men stormed three schools and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering widespread outrage across the country.

The affected institutions included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The victims reportedly include children between the ages of two and sixteen years.

The attack turned deadly after gunmen killed an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist who was reportedly caught in the violence. Public anger intensified days later following reports that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.

The development heightened fears for the safety of the remaining victims and fueled calls for urgent government action. In videos that circulated widely on social media, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among the abducted victims, appealed for urgent intervention.

She reportedly disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill additional captives if efforts were not made to secure their release. The emotional appeal sparked renewed concern among parents, teachers and community leaders, many of whom have continued to demand direct negotiations and intensified rescue operations.

Amid growing public pressure, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently visited the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of their loved ones.

The Federal Government also dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, to Ogbomoso to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to rescuing the victims.

Following the visit, President Bola Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialized security and rescue unit equipped with advanced operational capabilities to support efforts aimed at freeing the captives.

The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of broader efforts to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal gangs. There are also indications that the Federal Government is considering requests for the establishment of a military base in the affected area to curb future attacks.

The NUT has insisted that its industrial action and advocacy campaign will continue until all abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom. Protesters across the country similarly vowed to sustain pressure on authorities, arguing that schools must remain safe environments for learning and development.

With anxiety growing among affected families and communities, attention remains focused on ongoing rescue efforts and the government’s ability to secure the release of the victims without further loss of life.

NUT, ANCOPSS Lead Nationwide Protest Over Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers