The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadinkowa in Gombe State has appointed Dr Umar Abdullahi-Umar as its new Provost, following the completion of Dr Babawuro Ali’s five-year tenure.
Ali, who first assumed office in January 2020 in an acting capacity before being confirmed in August 2020, officially handed over leadership of the college on August 21, 2025.
In a press statement signed on Thursday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Aishatu Samaila, the outgoing Provost expressed appreciation for the trust and support he received throughout his administration.
“I thank Allah, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) for their confidence in me. I am also deeply grateful to the management, staff unions, students, and host community for their cooperation. I urge all stakeholders to extend the same support to my successor,” Ali said.
In his response, the new Provost, Dr Umar, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and strengthen the college’s contributions to agricultural development.
“I thank Allah for this opportunity and commend Dr Babawuro for his leadership and service. I equally acknowledge the efforts of the ARCN in advancing agricultural education. With the support of management, staff, and unions, we will continue to drive the mandate of this institution,” Umar said.
Umar, an agronomist and agroecology expert, holds a Ph.D in agroecology and a master’s degree in Public Personnel Management. He has also undertaken professional courses in data management, statistical software applications, and monitoring and evaluation.
A seasoned academic and researcher, he has published widely in scientific journals and contributed to environmental and social impact assessments. He previously served at the ARCN where he rose to the rank of Assistant Director, before joining the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadinkowa, as a principal lecturer.
