By Waziri Isa Gwantu
The Governing Council of the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State, has approved the appointment of Mr. Shehu Umar as Registrar of the Polytechnic.
The appointment was approved at the Council’s meeting held on 9th September, 2026, with immediate effect.
According to a public announcement signed by the Governing Council, the Council congratulated the new Registrar and enjoined the Polytechnic community and the general public to accord him the necessary cooperation and support.
Mr. Shehu Umar, who hails from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, is an experienced university administrator with over 20 years of cognate experience.
He holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2018) and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2002). He also attended Kaduna State Polytechnic and the School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi where he completed his IJMB programme in 1997.
Mr. Umar began his working career as Field Marketing Executive with Intercellular, Abuja from 2004 to 2005 before joining the services of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
At Nasarawa State University, Keffi, he served as Faculty Officer, Faculty of Social Sciences from 2005 to 2007, Hall Administrator from 2007 to 2010, Faculty Officer, Faculty of Administration from 2010 to 2013, Exams and Records Officer from 2013 to 2021, Faculty Officer, Faculty of Social Sciences from 2021 to 2024, and Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies from 2024 to 2026.
He rose through the ranks from Administrative Officer II (2005-2007), Administrative Officer I (2007-2010), Assistant Registrar (2010-2013), Senior Assistant Registrar (2013-2016), Principal Assistant Registrar (2016-2019), Deputy Registrar (2019-2024), to Senior Deputy Registrar (2024 to date).
Mr. Umar has attended several professional skills training and workshops including Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme at the Digital Bridge Institute in 2021, ICDL Programme Training in 2020, and a training programme by A.G.A.P.E. Consulting Ltd, UK in 2014.
He has also attended several conferences including the 3rd Annual General Meeting and Workshop of the Committee of Secretaries of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools in Nigerian Universities in 2026, National Conference on Strengthening the Public Service to Enhance Service Delivery at the Administrative College of Nigeria, Topo, Badagry in 2018, and conferences of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators, ANUPA.
He is a member of ANUPA since 2012 and currently serves as Chairman, Committee of Secretaries of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools in Nigerian Universities (2026-2027).
He has also served in leadership positions including Vice-Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), NSUK Chapter from 2021 to 2026, and President, NSUK Health Services Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd from 2015 to 2019.
He is a recipient of several awards including the Registry Department Award in 2017 and the Faculty of Administration Award in 2010 and 2012.2