DR. OGBONNAYA ONU: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION – Johnson Nwosu
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (1 December 1951 – 11 April 2024) was a distinguished Nigerian politician, engineer, author, and former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. His impactful career in both public service and academia spanned decades, leaving a significant legacy in Nigeria’s educational, political, and scientific landscapes. In recognition of his contributions, Abia State Polytechnic is recently renamed in his honour, underscoring his influence and commitment to Nigeria’s advancement.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Born into the family of Eze David Aba Onu in Amata, Uburu, within the present-day Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Dr. Onu’s early life and education were marked by excellence and determination. His educational journey began at Izzi High School in Abakaliki, now the Ebonyi State capital, where he graduated with a Grade One distinction in his West African School Certificate Examination. He continued his secondary education at the College of Immaculate Conception (C.I.C) in Enugu, where he was recognized as the best overall student.
Dr. Onu furthered his studies at the University of Lagos, where he graduated in 1976 with a first-class degree in chemical engineering. Driven by a passion for academic excellence, he pursued doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 1980. His educational achievements laid a strong foundation for a career dedicated to science, technology, and public service.
ACADEMIC AND TEACHING CAREER
Following his graduation, Dr. Onu began teaching at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State. His commitment to education led him to the University of Port Harcourt, where he became a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Dr. Onu was the pioneering head of the department, contributing to its growth and establishing a standard of academic excellence. He was later appointed acting dean of the Faculty of Engineering and served as a member of the university’s Governing Council, demonstrating his dedication to advancing Nigerian academia.
POLITICAL JOURNEY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Dr. Onu’s political career began in the early 1980s when he contested for a senatorial seat in the old Imo State under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In 1991, he contested for the governorship of Abia State on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and emerged victorious. Sworn in as the state’s first civilian governor in January 1992, he played a crucial role in establishing the framework for governance in Abia State. As the first chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Elected Governors, he demonstrated his leadership and was an advocate for cooperative governance.
In 1999, Dr. Onu was selected as the presidential flagbearer for the All People’s Party (APP). However, he later relinquished this position to Olu Falae in a merger arrangement, showing his willingness to work collaboratively for the greater good. He went on to serve as the national chairman of the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) in 2010. In 2013, he was instrumental in merging the ANPP with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Democratic People’s Party (DPP), and elements of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which ultimately resulted in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His role in establishing the APC positioned him as a key figure in Nigerian politics and contributed to the country’s political reformation.
MINISTERIAL ROLE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
In November 2015, Dr. Onu was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology by President Muhammadu Buhari. He held this position until May 2022, becoming the ministry’s longest-serving minister. During his tenure, he focused on promoting policies aimed at Nigeria’s industrialization, scientific research, and technological innovation. His initiatives included encouraging indigenous technological advancements and fostering collaboration between Nigerian universities and industries. His contributions helped create a pathway for scientific and technological growth that has continued to impact Nigeria’s economy and development sectors.
In August 2019, Dr. Onu was reappointed as Minister of Science and Technology, further cementing his legacy as a proponent of innovation-driven policies. His tenure witnessed an increased emphasis on the role of science and technology in national development, with efforts directed toward building Nigeria’s capacity for self-sustaining industrial growth.
RECOGNITION AND LEGACY
Dr. Onu’s remarkable career earned him numerous accolades and the respect of colleagues and citizens alike. His commitment to public service, science, and technology has inspired many young Nigerians to pursue careers in STEM fields. The renaming of Abia State Polytechnic in his honor is a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he made in various sectors.
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu passed away on 11 April 2024, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape Nigerian society. His life and career serve as a model for dedication, intellectual achievement, and service to humanity. As the Abia State Polytechnic now bears his name, future generations will be reminded of his contributions to Nigeria’s progress in education, politics, and technological advancement.
Compiled and edited from:
1. “Ogbonnaya Onu.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, last edited 2 months ago. Available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2. “Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.” Nigerian Biography, NigerianBiography.com, providing details on his educational background, political career, and role in Nigeria’s development of science and technology policies.
3. “Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation.” Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation – Nigeria, fmst.gov.ng, for insights on his policies and contributions to Nigeria’s industrialization and innovation agenda during his tenure as Minister.
4. Agbo, Ishaq. “History of the All Progressives Congress (APC).” Political Nigeria Journal, politicalnigeria.com, discussing the formation of the APC and Dr. Onu’s role in the political merger that led to the party’s establishment.
5. Adebayo, Tunde. “The Legacy of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in Nigeria’s Science and Technology Sector.” The Vanguard Nigeria, April 2024. Available at vanguardngr.com, for recent reports on Dr. Onu’s influence and the renaming of Abia State Polytechnic in his honor.
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