Date: 2018-05-30

The Chancellor, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as a member of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Promotion Action.

Other members appointed by the UN Secretary-General are Mrs. Hanna Suchocka (Eastern European States) and Mrs. Santos Roland (Latin American and Caribbean States).

This was contained in a letter dated May 11, 2018, and signed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad AI Hussein.

The letter read in part: "I write to you on behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General in reference to General Assembly resolution 72/157 of 19 December 2017 in which the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to appoint the members of the 'group of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 56/266 of 27 March, 2002.

"I have the pleasure to inform you that after a thorough consideration, the Secretary-General decided to appoint you as a member of the group of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The other members of the group, appointed earlier, are Mrs. Hanna Suchocka (Eastern European States) and Mrs. Santos Roland (Latin American and Caribbean States). It is expected that you would effectively take up your functions on 21 May 2018."

Commenting on the appointment, KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor AbdulRasheed Na'Allah, remarked: "The whole University is delighted that our global diplomat Chancellor is once again being called upon by the World Body to use his experience and talent to serve humanity. KWASU is very proud of this appointment and wishes our global eminent Chancellor continued great services to humanity."

Professor Gambari is a former Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations