*Photo: Professor Ibrahim Gambari*
A former Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari has been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the UP Center for Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, USA.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Amb. Sani Saulawa Bala (Wamban Katsina)
Executive Director,
Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development (SCDDD).
The statement reads:
PROFESSOR IBRAHIM GAMBARI, CFR, OCORT, APPOINTED DISTINGUISHED VISITING SCHOLAR AT THE CENTER FOR AFRICANA STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, PHILADELPHIA, USA
The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development (SCDDD), Abuja, Nigeria, is pleased to announce that its founder and board Chairman, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, OCORT, has been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the UP Center for Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, USA.
2.The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 by the famous diplomat, author and scientist, Benjamin Franklin. The University’s Centre for Africana Studies has established itself as a Center of Scholarship to many students who seek knowledge on African culture, history and contemporary development as well as providing renowned scholars the opportunity to impact on global scholarship.
3.The appointment, which was conveyed by Professor Wale Adebanwi, Director of the Center for Africana Studies in a letter dated February 13, 2026, is with effect from January 1, 2026, and runs through to August 31, 2026, is subject to renewal at the end of the appointment term. This is yet another testament of the global recognition of Professor Gambari’s outstanding contributions to the fields of academia, peace and conflict resolution, good governance and development. As a Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Professor Gambari will share his vision and mission on global good governance for which Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development was established by him as a non-governmental organization under his Chairmanship. This laudable dream of a peaceful world through solid diplomacy, inclusive and impactful decision-making through democracy and physical development, will remain the goal of Prof. Gambari’s pursuit. The teaming students and scholars of Nigeria and indeed Africa, stand to benefit from this wonderful opportunity.
4.Meanwhile, we at the Savannah Centre, are thrilled that our founder and Chairman’s expertise remains in demand globally, and we believe his extensive experience, reputation for excellence, and impeccable character will greatly contribute to the existing sterling records of UPENN Centre for Africana Studies.
5.Professor Gambari is a renowned scholar and expert in diplomacy and international relations, who dedicate his entire life to serve humanity in promoting peace and understanding worldwide, thereby creating a large army of diplomats, civil servants, and scholars propagating for universal peace and development.
6.It is on record that Professor Gambari excelled in all the leading roles he played, right from senior lecturer up to full Professor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zari; as Director General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, as Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs, as Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as Under-Secretary of the United Nations where he worked with four (4) UN Secretary-Generals consecutively.
7.His work at home was described by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “Iconic national service which remains one of the most exemplary, earning him prestigious record of working with seven (7) Nigerian Heads of Government at different times in our history, between military rule and civil democracy”.
8.We heartily felicitate with our Founder and Chairman on this appointment by an American Ivy College that promotes Africana Studies, and wish him a successful tenure and also look forward to the benefit, the appointment brings.
Amb. Sani Saulawa Bala (Wamban Katsina)
Executive Director
Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development (SCDDD)
Professor Ibrahim Gambari’s House
Plot 239, P.O.W. Mafemi Crescent, Utako District, Abuja, Nigeria.
9th March, 2026.