He was born in Kaduna and started his early education at Saint Augustine School, Kaduna. He holds B.A Combined Honours (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 Training as Development Officer with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Jos before joining the services of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). While as a Fellow in the Directorate of Research, he served in different departments including Economic and Management, International Affairs, Political and Social Studies. Dr.Umar doubled as the Head, Political and Social Studies Department and Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Programme) of the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre (PPLPDC), NIPSS between 2015 and 2020. He was a pioneer staff of the National Institute Consultancy Department (NIPSSConsult). In January 2020, Dr. Umar was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of PPLPDC, the position he held until his nomination to the Senior Executive Course 44, 2022.
He has published book chapters and journal articles in areas relating to economic development, public policy, security, ethnic conflicts, citizenship, national integration, civil society and democracy, China-African Cooperation. He has participated in winning several research and training grants for the National Institutes. He was Fulbright Scholar at Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA, a recipient of 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 also attended Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program on Applying Behavioral Insights to the Design of Public Policy Course. He is Fellow of Institute of Management Consultant (FIMC) and a Chartered Management Consultant (CMC). He was among the first fifty Nigerians to receive "The October 1 Award of China-Nigeria Friendship", 2021, conferred by The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria. Dr. Umar is married to Rebecca Ufuoma Umar and blessed with two set of twins (three boys and girl children). His hobbies include playing golf, sports, music and community service.
Research Topic:Inter-Party Advisory Council and Democratic Governance in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.