The appointments were approved by the university's Governing Council during its 101st meeting held on July 9 and 10, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso. Both appointments took effect on July 9, 2026.
According to the university, Umar and Mommoh will each serve a single five-year term in line with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act and the institution's governing regulations.
Welcoming the appointments, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described both officials as seasoned professionals whose experience would contribute significantly to the university's pursuit of academic excellence and institutional development.
"The wealth of experience that these two appointees bring will further strengthen our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation and community service.
"Their appointments come at a critical time in our journey as we continue to reposition Yakubu Gowon University as a globally competitive institution. I look forward to working closely with them as we realise the strategic vision of our great university and take the institution to even greater heights."
Umar brings nearly two decades of administrative experience
Before his appointment as Registrar, Malam Alkasim Musa Umar served as Deputy Registrar and most recently headed the university's Institute of Education, where he oversaw administrative and registry operations, credentials screening and secretariat services to the institute's management board.
A graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Umar holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration. He has also earned professional certifications from the Digital Bridge Institute and Souters, United Kingdom.
Prior to joining the university, he worked at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. Since joining the university's Registry 17 years ago, he has served in several strategic units, including Academic Affairs, Establishment, the TETFund Desk Office, and as Faculty Officer for the Faculties of Education and Agriculture.
Throughout his career, Umar has played key roles on several university committees, including the Undergraduate Admissions Committee, the Senate Committee on Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards, the University Portal Committee and the Vice-Chancellor Handing-Over Committee.
In 2024, he represented the university at international engagements held in Kenya, the Netherlands and Japan.
Mommoh rises through the ranks after 25 years of service
Dr Rose Lade Mommoh's appointment as substantive University Librarian crowns more than 25 years of service to the institution.
She joined the university in 1999 as a Graduate Librarian and steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming Deputy University Librarian and Associate Professor in 2020.
Mommoh earned her Bachelor of Library Science degree from the University of Maiduguri, a Master of Library Science from Bayero University, Kano, and a PhD in Information Science from the University of Maiduguri.
Over the years, she has occupied several leadership positions within the university library, serving as Head of the Circulation Unit, Collection Development and Readers' Services at the Engineering Library. Before her latest appointment, she was the Postgraduate Coordinator in the Department of Library and Information Science.
An accomplished scholar, Mommoh has published extensively in the field of library and information science and has presented research papers at numerous local and international conferences, including academic gatherings in China and Poland.
She is also a registered member of the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria and the Nigerian Library Association.
The appointments are expected to strengthen the university's administrative and library systems as Yakubu Gowon University continues its drive to enhance academic quality, research output and global competitiveness.