The Gwandu Emirate Council of Kebbi State has conferred the traditional title of Baraden Besse (District Head of Besse) on former Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to Nigeria and the international community.

Professor Muhammad-Bande was formally turbaned on Saturday, August 15, 2026, by His Royal Highness, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, Emir of Gwandu, at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace, Birnin Kebbi.

In a Press Statement signed and issued by the Director of Public Affairs of NIPSS Dr Osime Samuel said the former NIPSS Director-General brings to his new traditional responsibility an exceptional record of service spanning academia, strategic policy, public administration and international diplomacy.

Professor Muhammad-Bande served as Director-General of NIPSS, Kuru, from 2010 to 2016. His tenure at the premier policy and strategic studies institution placed him at the centre of national efforts to develop strategic leadership and strengthen policy thinking in Nigeria. His appointment and role as NIPSS Director-General are documented in contemporary profiles, including records from the British High Commission.

Before leading NIPSS, Professor Muhammad-Bande had established himself as a distinguished academic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he rose from Graduate Assistant to Professor and subsequently served as Vice-Chancellor from 2004 to 2009.

His career later moved decisively into international diplomacy. He became Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2017, with UN records identifying him in that capacity at the time of his election to the presidency of the General Assembly.

On 4 June 2019, the United Nations General Assembly elected Professor Muhammad-Bande by acclamation as President of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He subsequently presided over the Assembly from 17 September 2019 to 14 September 2020.

His election to the UNGA presidency was a major milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic history, making him the second Nigerian to occupy the position, after Ambassador Joseph Nanven Garba. At the time of his election, he was serving as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

As President of the 74th General Assembly, Professor Muhammad-Bande identified peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion among the priorities of his presidency.

The conferment of the title of Baraden Besse thus adds a new dimension to the career of a Nigerian who has served in some of the country’s most prominent academic, policy and diplomatic positions.

For NIPSS, the occasion is particularly significant. Professor Muhammad-Bande is one of the Institute’s distinguished former Director-Generals whose career after NIPSS extended to the highest level of multilateral diplomacy. His journey from university leadership and strategic policy development at NIPSS to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and ultimately the presidency of the UN General Assembly represents a remarkable record of national and international service.

The turbanning ceremony, held at the historic Abdullahi Fodio Palace in Birnin Kebbi, brought together dignitaries, traditional rulers, academics, diplomats, public officials, friends and associates to celebrate the conferment of the prestigious title.

As Baraden Besse, Professor Muhammad-Bande now assumes a traditional leadership role within the Gwandu Emirate, bringing decades of experience in scholarship, governance, strategic leadership, and international affairs.

Please follow and like us: