The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has paid glowing tribute to former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, describing him as a disciplined, visionary and compassionate academic leader whose impact on higher education will remain enduring.
Expressing shock over Ambali’s passing, Adedimeji said he was “dazed and devastated” by the news but accepted it as the will of Allah. He noted that the late professor distinguished himself through humility, commitment and exceptional leadership throughout his career.
According to him, Ambali was “an amiable personality to the core” who was “deep, diligent and disciplined; simple, strategic and straightforward,” adding that his kindness, commitment and consideration set him apart as an administrator and leader.
Adedimeji particularly praised Ambali’s leadership style, saying one of his greatest strengths was his ability to listen to differing opinions. “He welcomed divergent views and listened attentively without betraying emotion. When he eventually made a decision, it was never because he failed to listen, but because he had carefully weighed every argument before arriving at what he considered the best course,” he said.
The African School of Economics VC also credited Ambali’s administration with strengthening the University of Ilorin’s reputation, noting that the institution became the first choice of admission applicants in West Africa shortly after he assumed office. He said the achievement was sustained for more than a decade and reflected the success of Ambali’s philosophy of sustainable development.
Recalling his personal relationship with the late academic, Adedimeji said he had the privilege of serving under Ambali as Acting Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies. “He made me the longest-serving director of the centre, insisting that we would leave office together. Studying his leadership style contributed immensely to my personal and professional development,” he stated.
He further noted that Ambali’s leadership qualities earned him appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University, where he also provided visionary leadership that helped advance the institution. Reflecting on their last encounter, Adedimeji said he met Ambali at a luncheon at the University of Ilorin where, despite observing a fast, he attended to honour the host.
“That moment reflected the devotion, humility and sense of duty that defined his life,” he said, while extending condolences to the late professor’s family, the University of Ilorin community and the entire Ilorin Emirate, and praying for Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdaos.
