The appointment, announced by the Abuja-based Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD)—an organization founded by Gambari—took effect on January 1, 2026, and is set to run until August 31, with the possibility of renewal. The official offer was communicated in a February 13 letter from Wale Adebanwi, director of the Africana Studies center.
Founded in 1740 by American diplomat and polymath Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Africana Studies is a hub for research and scholarship on African history, culture, and contemporary development. The center aims to foster dialogue between scholars and practitioners on Africa-related issues, and Gambari’s appointment is expected to further strengthen these efforts.
The SCDDD described the appointment as recognition of Gambari’s contributions to academia, peace and conflict resolution, good governance, and sustainable development. During his tenure, Gambari is expected to engage with students and scholars on global governance issues and to share the vision underpinning the Savannah Centre’s work promoting diplomacy, democracy, and development.
“The appointment is yet another testament to the global recognition of Professor Gambari’s outstanding contributions to academia, peace and conflict resolution, governance, and development,” the SCDDD statement said. It added that students and scholars from Nigeria and across Africa stand to benefit from his engagement with the University of Pennsylvania.
Gambari is a professor of political science and international relations who has held numerous public service roles, including chief of staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He has also served as Nigeria’s minister of external affairs and as the country’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations.
In congratulating Gambari, the Savannah Centre expressed confidence that his wealth of experience and expertise would contribute meaningfully to the work of the Africana Studies center.
If you like, I can also draft an even punchier, headline-focused version for newspapers that frames it as “Nigeria’s Diplomacy Stalwart Joins US University.” This would give it a slightly more global news feel. Do you want me to do that?