By Mahfouz Adedimeji
I am dazed and devastated to learn of the demise of a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul Ganiyu Ambali, OON. But in utter submission to the unalterable will of Allah, we say, ‘Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’uun’ (From Allah we come and to Him we shall return).
A Vice Chancellor I was fortunate to work closely with, Prof. Ambali was an amiable personality to the core. He was deep, diligent and disciplined. He was simple, strategic and straightforward. He was also kind, committed and considerate.
One of his virtues as an administrator was his immense ability to listen, a feature of servant leaders. A fine team player, he would listen to divergent voices while betraying no emotion. When he took his decision, it wasn’t that he didn’t listen to you but your argument or opinion might have been inferior.
It is to his credit that his administrative philosophy of sustainable development paid off shortly after he assumed office and the University of Ilorin became the first choice of admission applicants in West Africa, a feat sustained for more than a decade afterwards. That was remarkable as he was also the President of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU).
I served under Prof. Ambali as ag Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies and I did my bit. He made me the longest serving Director of the Centre till date as he insisted we would leave office together. Studying him, as I had acknowledged in an interview, contributed to my training.
Based on his sterling leadership qualities, he was appointed the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU) by the Kwara State Government and he led the university to greater heights.
The last meeting I had with him was at the University of Ilorin some months ago. We were together at a luncheon table but he was fasting. He just had to honour the host with his presence. Such devotion!
I commiserate with his wife, Prof. (Mrs) Taiwo Ambali, his entirely family, the University of Ilorin and the entire Ilorin Emirate on the transition of this academic leader and illustrious personality.
For him, in shaa Allah, I’ll circumnavigate the Ka’aba and supplicate for Aljannah Firdaos.
Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji writes this piece.
