What you need to know about Hon Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun, An Educationist, Grassroot Mobiliser and Political Associate of Senator Representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Mall Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate

Mallam Salihu Umar was born in 1960 into the Balogun Gambari family, a distinguished Traditional Chieftaincy in Ilorin Emirate. Traditionally, as an Ilorin born son, attended the compulsory Quranic School, Umar’s early education included L.E.A School Elemere and GSS Malete.

He was among the pioneering students at the Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State, from 1978 to 1981. Umar furthered his education at the University of Ilorin, where he earned a B.A(Ed) in Social Studies with a 2nd Class Upper Division. After completing his mandatory NYSC primary assignment in Nasarawa (then Plateau State) in 1982, he joined the Kwara State Ministry of Education.

Umar served as a Subject Teacher of Principles and Practice of Education Geography, Social Studies in various schools, including ATC Jebba, GDSS Fate.
In 1997, Umar’s secondary school management career began when he was appointed Vice Principal Administration of B.A.I.High School Budo Are. His exceptional management skills led to his appointment as a substantive principal in 1999, a position he held until 2017. Throughout his career, Umar has served in numerous schools, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to the education sector.He voluntarily retired as Tutor General (Director) at GDS School Karuma. Ilorin, Kwara State.

Throughout his public service, Salihu Umar was an active member of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). He held various positions within ANCOPSS, including Secretary for Kwara State, Vice Chairman of the North Central region, and Chairman of the Curriculum and Evaluation Committee at the national level. He was member Kwara State NUT SWEIC.

Umar is notably recognized for authoring a book titled “The ANCOPSS Metamorphosis of the Nigeria Principal,” which highlights the growth and development of ANCOPSS in Nigeria.
In addition to his contributions to ANCOPSS, Umar participated in numerous seminars and workshops both within and outside Nigeria. Notably, he attended the 4th and 8th Africa Congress of Principals (ACP) held in Abuja in 2006 and Accra in 2014..

As a grass root mobilizer, he was honoured by different bodies viz, North Central ANCOPSS, Rotary Club Ilorin District Ogbondoroko, Oke Adini, Balogun Gambari Communities and different sets of Old Students he had nutured during his teaching career.
*Mallam Salihu Umar is the co-chairman of Senator Saliu Mustapha Education Committee that facilitated the selection of 200 university students for full scholarship award which was graciously approved by the Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha for the duration of their different courses in 3 universities in Kwara State.*

As a member of APC Elders Forum he enjoys reading, watching footballs and building bridges across Nigeria.* Mallam Umar Salihu Agboola Balogun-Gambari who is the Chairman of S2B Foundation and Secretary of Retired Veteran Principals Association, Kwara State is happily married with children.

Hon Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun is among 6th members of National Assembly Service Commission’s board who was Inaugurated on 5th of May, 2025 by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Isiaka Muritala Kayode