A former United Nations envoy and the Chief of Staff to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has been appointed a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.
The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development, Abuja, announced the appointment in a statement on Monday, noting that Gambari, who is the founder and chairman of the centre’s board, will serve in the role from January 1 to August 31, 2026, with the possibility of renewal.
According to the statement signed by the Executive Director of the center, Ambassador Sani Bala, on Monday, the appointment was conveyed in a letter dated February 13, 2026, by the Director of the Centre for Africana Studies, Prof. Wale Adebanwi.
The statement described the development as recognition of Gambari’s “long-standing contributions to academia, diplomacy, peacebuilding, governance and development.”
As part of the appointment, Gambari is expected to engage with students and scholars at the Ivy League institution while sharing his perspectives on global governance, diplomacy and development.
The centre said the opportunity would also benefit African and Nigerian scholars by strengthening academic exchange and knowledge on issues related to governance, peace and development.
The statement noted that the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740 by diplomat and scientist Benjamin Franklin, has developed a reputation for academic excellence, while its Center for Africana Studies has become a hub for scholarship on African culture, history and contemporary development.
Commenting on the appointment, the Savannah Centre expressed optimism that Gambari’s experience would contribute significantly to the academic community at the university.
“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,” the statement said.
Gambari, a respected scholar of diplomacy and international relations, has held several key positions in Nigeria and the international community.
He previously served as a senior lecturer and later professor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs; Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs; and Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
At the United Nations, he served as an Under-Secretary-General and worked with four successive Secretaries-General.
