The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has appointed renowned academic and international scholar, Associate Professor Mohammed Abubakar Mohammed, as Director of its Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI), in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s capacity in emerging technologies, research and innovation.
The appointment was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, and announced in the university’s bulletin of June 19, 2026, as part of efforts to reposition key academic and administrative units.
Associate Professor Mohammed’s appointment followed his successful tenure as Deputy Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence, a position he assumed six months ago.
The university attributed his elevation to his outstanding performance and effective implementation of the institution’s artificial intelligence initiatives and policies.
A native of Tsaragi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Mohammed is widely recognised for his contributions to geosciences, energy studies and technological innovation.
He holds a PhD in Development and Exploitation of Oil and Gas Fields from Khazar University, Azerbaijan, and a PhD in Geology from Gideon Robert University, Zambia.
He obtained a Bachelor of Technology degree in Geology from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Geosciences from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
In 2015, he joined Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos, where he worked on seismic data from the Taranaki Basin in New Zealand, a project that formed a significant component of his master’s research in Petroleum Geosciences.
Over the years, Mohammed has published more than 25 scholarly articles in reputable local and international journals, building a strong profile as a researcher and academic administrator.
Before returning to Nigeria, he spent several years teaching and conducting research at universities abroad, gaining international experience in higher education, research and innovation management.
Beyond academia, he served as Senior Special Assistant on Solid Minerals Development during the first tenure of the Governor of Kwara State, contributing to policy development and the advancement of the state’s mining sector.
The university said his appointment is expected to accelerate FULafia’s drive to become a leading centre for artificial intelligence, digital transformation and technology-driven research in Nigeria and beyond.
In a related development, Professor Kida approved the reappointment of Professor Victor S. Dugga as Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies for a second two-year term.
Also reappointed were Professor Dalhatu Musa Yusha’u and Professor Mohammed E. Binin as Deputy Provosts of the College of Postgraduate Studies for Humanities and Sciences respectively, each for a two-year tenure.
In another appointment, Professor Joseph D. Zira was named Provost of the College of Health Sciences for a two-year term, while Dr Jude Ndubuisi Chima was appointed Deputy Provost of the College for a one-year tenure.
The university said the appointments form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic leadership, improve institutional efficiency and reposition the institution for greater excellence in teaching, research, innovation and service delivery.
