Ambrose Folorunsho Alli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ambrose Folorunsho Alli
Governor, Bendel State, Nigeria
In office October 1979 – October 1983
Preceded by	Abubakar Waziri
Succeeded by	Samuel Ogbemudia
Personal details
Born	22 September 1929 Idoani, Ondo state, Nigeria
Died	22 September 1989(1989-09-22) (aged 60) Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Political party	Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)
Alma mater	School of Agriculture Ibadan, School of Medical Technology, Adeoyo Hospital Ibadan, University of London, University of Birmingham.
Occupation	Lecturer Politician

Ambrose Folorunsho Alli (born September 22, 1929 – died September 22, 1989) was a well-known Nigerian medical professor. He served as the first civilian Governor of the former Bendel State in Nigeria. This state is now split into Edo and Delta states. He was governor from 1979 to 1983.

Early Life and Education

Ambrose Folorunsho Alli was born in Idoani, Ondo state, Nigeria, on September 22, 1929. As a child, he lived in several different towns. These included Oka-Odo, Ekpoma, Owo, Efon-Alaye, Benin City, and Asaba. He finished his secondary school education in Asaba in 1948.

He studied at the School of Agriculture Ibadan in 1948. Later, he attended the School of Medical Technology, Adeoyo Hospital Ibadan, from 1953 to 1960. Here, he earned his MBBS degree, which is a medical qualification. After this, he worked as a house officer at Adeoyo Hospital from 1960 to 1961.

Ambrose Alli then traveled to the United Kingdom for more studies. He focused on neuropathology at the University of London from 1961 to 1966. He also studied at the University of Birmingham from 1971 to 1974.

Academic Career

After his studies, Ambrose Alli became a university lecturer. He taught at the University of Ibadan from 1966 to 1969. Then, he became a senior lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria from 1969 to 1974.

From 1974 to 1979, he was a professor of morbid anatomy. He also led the pathology department at the University of Benin in Benin City.

Governor of Bendel State

After his successful academic career, Ambrose Alli decided to enter politics. He was elected Governor of Bendel State in 1979. He was a member of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). As governor, he worked hard to bring many improvements to the state.

Focus on Education

One of his main goals as governor was to improve education for everyone. He opened over 600 new secondary schools. He also made secondary school education free for students.

He established the "Bendel State University" in Ekpoma. This university was later named the Ambrose Alli University in his honor. He also set up several other higher education institutions. These included colleges of education in places like Ekiadolor, Agbor, Warri, and Ozoro. He also created three polytechnics.

To make sure there were enough teachers, he established four teachers' training colleges. He also planned for a college of agriculture and fishery.

Other Developments

Governor Alli's administration also worked on improving healthcare. He removed charges for services and medicines at state-owned hospitals. He also built many new roads to connect rural areas.

In the housing sector, he built affordable homes. These housing estates were in Ugbowo and Ikpoba Hill in Benin City. He also built Bendel Estates in Warri. People often saw him wearing sandals. He joked that he was too busy working to buy new shoes.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office in 1983, Ambrose Alli returned to his family home. Later, he faced some challenges and was held for a period. He was eventually released with the help of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

To honor his service to the community, a statue of Professor Alli was put up in Ekpoma. He is remembered for his dedication to the people of Nigeria.

Death

Ambrose Folorunsho Alli passed away on his 60th birthday, September 22, 1989. He died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Lagos. An annual lecture is now held in his honor to remember his leadership and contributions.