BACKGROUND
The Directorate of Research is mandated, to organize and carry out, on an interdisciplinary basis in intellectual support of those charged with making and implementing policy for Nigeria, in-depth research into the social, economic, political, security, scientific, cultural and other problems facing the country, and to formulate and present, in usable form, the available options for their solution. this, no doubt is derived from the Institute’s mandate which is “to serve as a high-level Center of reflection, research, and dialogue where academics of intellectual excellence, policy initiators and executors and other citizens with a high level of practical experience and wisdom drawn from different sectors of national life in Nigeria would meet to reflect and exchange ideas on the great issues of society, particularly as they relate to Nigeria and Africa, in the context of the dynamics of a constantly changing world.”
Dr. Umar is a Senior Fellow and Chief Operating Officer of the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre, NIPSS. He was appointed Acting Director of Research at the National Institute, Kuru, in March 2024. He holds a B.A Combined Honors (History/Political Science) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, M.Sc. and PhD in Political Economy and Development Studies from University of Jos, Nigeria. He was a Training and Development Officer with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Jos, before joining the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). He has published book chapters and journal articles in areas relating to economic development, public policy, security, ethnic conflicts, citizenship, civil society and democracy, national integration, federalism, political parties, and China-Africa Cooperation. He has served as a researcher, consultant, and facilitator to several national and international research projects and training programmes. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. A recipient of the Development Diplomacy for Peace and Security Course Fellowship at Kofi Anan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, Ghana, sponsored by the German International Organization (GIZ). He attended the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program on Applying Behavioral Insights to the Design of Public Policy Course, 2018
The Behavioral Insights Team Training on Applying Behavioral Insights for the Design of Public Programs and Communications, 2019. Dr. Umar attended the Senior Executive Course 44, 2022, of the National Institute, Kuru, where he was awarded a member national institute (mni) certificate. He is a recipient of The October 1 Award of China-Nigeria Friendship in recognition of valuable contribution to China-Nigeria Friendship by The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria, 1st October 2021.
Fellow of Institute of Management Consultant (FIMC) and a Chartered Management Consultant (CMC), Member, Nigeria Political Science Association, Member, International Political Science Association and Member, Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria. He is married to Rebecca Ufuoma and blessed with two sets of twins (three boys and a girl). His hobbies include Playing Golf, watching football, and listening to gospel music.