PROF. IBRAHIM GAMBARI – Renowned Scholar, Diplomat, and Global Peace Advocate

PROF. IBRAHIM GAMBARI @ 80

PROF. IBRAHIM A. GAMBARI
CFR, OCORT

Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari is a distinguished scholar-diplomat with a remarkable career spanning academia, diplomacy, and global conflict resolution. Renowned for his leadership and expertise, he has played pivotal roles in advancing international peace, governance, and sustainable development.

BIO OF PROFESSOR IBRAHIM AGBOOLA GAMBARI

Professor Gambari holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics (1968) and both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from Columbia University, USA (1970 and 1974, respectively). He has served in numerous academic leadership roles, including as the first Chancellor of Kwara State University (2013–2020), Pro-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and the current Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Philomath University, Abuja, and Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State.

A prolific author, Professor Gambari has published extensively on international relations and foreign policy, including books like Theory and Reality in Foreign Policy Making: Nigeria after the Second Republic (1990) and Africa and the New World Order (1992).

Professor Gambari has served in several high-profile diplomatic positions. He was Nigeria’s longest-serving Ambassador to the United Nations (1990–1999), where he chaired the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid, contributing significantly to the eradication of apartheid in Southern Africa. During Kofi Annan’s tenure as UN Secretary-General, he was appointed the first Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa (1999–2005), helping shape the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Resident Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in Angola (2002–2003), guiding the peace process under the Lusaka Protocol.
Joint Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID, 2010–2012), leading the world’s largest peacekeeping mission.
Special Adviser on the Iraq Compact (2007), addressing key governance and development challenges.
Chairperson of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (1990–1999).

At the national level, Professor Gambari served as Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs (1984–1985) and was the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari (2020–2023). In these roles, he demonstrated visionary leadership in governance, diplomacy, and public service.

Professor Gambari has received numerous honors, including:

Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), Nigeria’s national honor.
The **Order of the Companions of OR Tambo (OCORT)** from South Africa for his contributions to solidarity and peace.
Honorary degrees from institutions such as Chatham University, University of Bridgeport, and Farleigh Dickinson University.
Membership in the Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars for professional and scholarly excellence.

As the founder of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development (SCDDD), Professor Gambari has focused on research and policy studies to advance conflict prevention, democracy, and development in Africa. He also co-chairs the Commission on Global Security, Justice, and Governance, which addresses pressing global challenges requiring multilateral action.

Professor Gambari’s contributions to international peace, solidarity, and development have left an indelible mark on global governance and African advancement. Through his work, he has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the human condition, fostering peace, and promoting sustainable development.

He is happily married with children and grandchildren