List Of All Ministers Of Innovation, Science, And Technology In Nigeria (2015-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in Nigeria was renamed on August 6, 2021. Though the ministry was originally part of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, which has been in existence since Nigeria’s independence.
So, the rebranding to focus on innovation was part of a broader effort to enhance technological advancement in the country. The ministry seeks to promote the use of science and technology to drive socio-economic growth in Nigeria.
List Of All Ministers Of Innovation, Science, And Technology In Nigeria (2015-Present)
Name | Term Start | Term End | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu | 2015 | 2022 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
Adeleke Mamora | 2022 | 2023 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
Uche Nnaji | August 16, 2023 | Present | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
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Who Was The First Minister Of Innovation, Science, And Technology In Nigeria?
Ogbonnaya Onu was the first Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Nigeria. He was a well-respected Nigerian politician, engineer, and author.
Born on December 1, 1951, in Ohaozara, which is now part of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Onu had a career in both academics and politics. Onu started his education at Izzi High School in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.
He excelled in his studies and achieved grade one with distinction in his West African School Certificate Examination. Then he continued his education at the College of Immaculate Conception (C.I.C) in Enugu, where he graduated as the best student.
Onu went on to study chemical engineering at the University of Lagos, graduating with first-class honors in 1976. He also pursued a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, which he completed in 1980.
After finishing his studies, Onu returned to Nigeria and began teaching at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State. He later joined the University of Port Harcourt as a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Onu became the pioneer head of the department and served as the acting dean of the Faculty of Engineering. He was also elected to the Governing Council of the university.
Onu’s political career started when he ran for a senatorial seat in the old Imo State under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He later contested and won the position of Governor of Abia State in 1991 under the National Republican Convention.
Then he served as the first executive governor of the state from January 1992 to November 1993. During his time as governor, Onu was known for his dedication to development and his efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure.
In 1999, Onu ran for the presidency as the candidate for the All People’s Party (APP). However, after a merger with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), he stepped down in favor of Olu Falae.
Onu continued to be active in politics and became the national chairman of the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) in 2010. In 2013, he was instrumental in merging the ANPP with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onu was appointed Minister of Science and Technology by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015. He held this position until May 2022, making him the longest-serving minister in the ministry.
During his tenure, Onu worked to promote technological advancement and innovation in Nigeria. He was reappointed as Minister of Science and Technology in August 2019. Throughout his career, Onu received several awards and honors.
He was a certified member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and a fellow of both the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers.
In October 2022, he was awarded the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari. Sadly, Onu passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 72.
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Who Is The Current Minister Of Innovation, Science, And Technology In Nigeria?
Uche Nnaji, also known as Nwakaibie, is the current Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Nigeria. He was appointed to this role on August 16, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Uche Nnaji is from Akpugo Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State and is the oldest of four children born to Chief and Mrs. Obed Nnaji. He is married and has four children. Uche Nnaji grew up in Enugu State and completed his education there.
He went to Santa Maria Primary School, now called Ziks Avenue Primary School, and later attended St. Patrick’s College in Emene. Then he went on to study at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka.
After his father passed away in 1978, his mother took on a big role in raising him and his siblings, making sure they all got a good education. However, before joining politics, Uche Nnaji had a successful career in business.
He worked in the importation and installation of medical equipment. In the mid-1980s, he introduced Nigeria’s first CT scan, making him the youngest and first African to do this.
Uche Nnaji’s political journey began in the late 1990s when he joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In 1999, he was elected as a senator representing the Enugu East senatorial zone.
However, he later decided to step down from this position. Throughout his political career, he has been dedicated to helping disadvantaged groups and providing financial assistance to those in need.
In the 2023 general elections, Uche Nnaji ran as the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State but lost to Peter Mbah of the PDP. As the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji aims to advance Nigeria’s technology sector.
He focuses on revitalizing the 17 agencies under his ministry and promoting the use of science and technology to address national challenges.
His vision includes promoting innovation and encouraging collaboration between researchers and the private sector to boost Nigeria’s economic growth.
