Basira Umar Appointed First Female Chief Registrar of Katsina High Court
Judicial Service Commission breaks gender barrier with historic appointment.
History was made in Katsina State at the weekend as Dr. Basira Umar was appointed the new Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, becoming the first woman to hold the position since the state was created in 1987.
The announcement was confirmed by the Judicial Service Commission following the retirement of the former Chief Registrar, Mustapha Hassan-Rumah.
According to Musa Usman, Director of Protocols at the Katsina High Court, the Chief Registrar serves as the judiciary’s chief accounting officer, responsible for preparing budgets, overseeing finances, and managing the day-to-day administrative functions of the courts.
Before her elevation, Dr. Umar served as Deputy Chief Registrar and Director of the Multi-Door Court in Katsina. Her appointment places her at the top of the administrative structure of the state’s judiciary, a position previously held only by men.
The development has been welcomed as a milestone for women in leadership in Katsina. Legal practitioners and residents say the appointment not only reflects growing recognition of women’s contributions in governance but could also inspire young women to pursue careers in law and public service.
Expectations are now high that Dr. Umar will use her new role to strengthen administrative efficiency, improve staff welfare, and ensure transparency in the management of judicial resources.
Her appointment marks a significant moment in Katsina’s judicial history and adds momentum to calls for more inclusivity across Nigeria’s public institutions.
