UNILORIN Chief Imam Urges Muslims To Emulate Late VC Ambali’s Piety, Simplicity

The Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam, has urged Muslims and the generality of the human community to emulate the piety, simplicity, and compassionate disposition of the late former Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON. The Imam gave the counsel during a special prayer session organised by the University for the repose of the late former Vice Chancellor’s soul at the University Central Mosque on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Who is being remembered?

Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON – former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin. He passed away recently, and the University community gathered to pray for his soul. He is being remembered as a leader who lived a life of kindness and goodness to all.

What did the Chief Imam say about the late VC?

Prof. AbdusSalam described the late former Vice Chancellor as a man whose life was devoted to kindness and goodness to all. He said his demise is a great and irreparable loss not just to his family but also to the University and humanity. He emphasised that no one can do all they planned to do before being overtaken by death – everyone eventually leaves with unfinished businesses.

What advice did the Chief Imam give to the congregation?

He urged everyone to be mindful of the unfinished business they would leave behind. Since death is a debt everybody owes their Creator, the only way to die well and leave worthy legacies is by doing the right things at all times.

Who attended the prayer session?

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh Luqman Alade Jimoh (represented); the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik (represented).

What tributes were paid to the late VC?

Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, Amirah of the UNILORIN Muslim Ladies Circle (UMC), described the late Prof. Ambali as an outstanding leader who upheld the legacies of his predecessors. She praised his gender inclusivity, which culminated in his support for the emergence of Prof. Nike Yetunde Sidikat Ijaiya as the first female Deputy Vice Chancellor in the history of the University.

Mr. AbdulRasheed Gidado Dauda, a member of the University Governing Council, described the late VC as a mentor and a man whose life epitomised fairness, service, and patriotism.

5 key takeaways from the prayer session for Prof. Ambali.

1. The late VC is being remembered for his piety, simplicity, and compassion. These are not just words – they are qualities that defined his leadership. The Chief Imam specifically highlighted them as worthy of emulation.

2. Death is a debt everyone owes – and we all leave unfinished business. The Chief Imam’s message is a reminder of mortality. No one completes all their plans. The question is: what legacy do you leave behind?

3. Ambali’s gender inclusivity is being celebrated. He supported the emergence of the first female Deputy Vice Chancellor at UNILORIN. That is a significant achievement in a traditionally male-dominated academic environment.

4. The University community came together to pray. The prayer session was attended by current and former leaders, students, and family members. The University honoured its former leader with dignity.

5. His legacy extends beyond the University. The late VC was described as a pride to the University community and a man whose life epitomised fairness, service, and patriotism.

How this affects the University community.

i. The University is reminded of the importance of ethical leadership. Ambali’s example is being held up as a model for current and future leaders.

ii. The focus on gender inclusivity is a call to continue his work. The University must build on the foundation he laid for women’s leadership.

iii. The community is encouraged to visit the family of the deceased. That is a practical expression of compassion.

iv. The prayer session is a model for honouring departed leaders. Universities should regularly remember their leaders in meaningful ways.

v. The late VC’s legacy is now part of UNILORIN’s institutional memory. His contributions will not be forgotten.

Advice from this analyst.

1. To the University of Ilorin community: keep the memory of Prof. Ambali alive. Institutionalise his values of piety, simplicity, and compassion.

2. To the family of the late VC: take comfort in the tributes. Your husband and father was a great man. His legacy will endure.

3. To the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole: build on Ambali’s legacy. Continue his work on gender inclusivity and ethical leadership.

4. To students of UNILORIN: learn from Ambali’s example. Leadership is not about power – it is about service.

5. To the Nigerian academic community: honour your leaders while they are alive. Do not wait until they are gone to recognise their contributions.

A question to make you reflect.

If Prof. Ambali is being remembered for his piety, simplicity, compassion, and gender inclusivity – what will you be remembered for?

The answer is a challenge. The Chief Imam reminded the congregation that everyone leaves with unfinished business. The only thing you control is the legacy you leave behind. Ambali’s legacy is clear. Yours is still being written.

Akahi News gathered that the University of Ilorin has prayed for the soul of its former Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali. The Chief Imam urged Muslims to emulate his piety, simplicity, and compassion. Tributes highlighted his gender inclusivity and support for female leadership. The late VC was described as a pride to the University community. His legacy will endure.