Profile: Ogbonnaya Onu, ex-Minister of Science and Technology

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was born on December 1st, 1951, into the family of His Royal Highness, Late Eze David Aba Onu, Eze Adu of Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. His academic journey began with outstanding achievements, earning a grade one with distinction in his West African School Certificate examination at Izzi High School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Dr. Onu further excelled in Physics and Chemistry, graduating as the best overall student at the Higher School Certificate examination at the College of Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu.

In 1976, he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos. His academic pursuit continued as he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, in 1980. His research focused on coal liquefaction and the production of synthetic fuels under mild conditions, showcasing the possibility of producing synthetic fuels comparable to crude oil.

During his time at the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Onu held several notable positions, including President of the African Students Union, Member of the Graduate Assembly, and President of the Nigerian Association of Northern California, Inc. Back in Nigeria, he served as the President General of his alma mater, Izzi High School, Abakaliki, Old Boys Association.

Returning to Nigeria, Dr. Onu contributed significantly to the academic sphere, teaching at the seminary and serving as the pioneer Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt. His leadership helped nurture the department from its inception to a position of high regard. Additionally, as a member of the Governing Council of the University, he played a key role in guiding the institution towards excellence.

Dr. Onu is a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.

In 1991, he made history by being elected the first Governor of the old Abia State. During his tenure, Dr. Onu emphasized the importance of technology in national development, initiating processes for the establishment of a Technology Village and introducing computers into selected public schools.

As Governor, Dr. Onu pioneered the abolishment of the State of Origin Syndrome in Abia State, promoting inclusivity by appointing non-indigenes into top positions of responsibility. His vision for excellence led to the establishment of the Abia State Polytechnic in Aba, the College of Technical Education in Arochukwu, and the attraction of the Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture to Umudike, near Umuahia.

Under his leadership, the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State and the National Ambassador Newspapers were established, with the latter winning awards as the best State-owned Newspaper in Nigeria.

In 1999, Dr. Onu emerged as the first Presidential Flagbearer of the All Peoples Party (later known as the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP). A committed democrat and party loyalist, he remained steadfast in the ANPP, serving as its National Chairman from September 2010.

His efforts towards political cooperation culminated in the merger of major opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. Dr. Onu, alongside other leaders, played a crucial role in the formation of the APC, which became the largest opposition political party in Nigeria’s history.

As Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Onu’s tenure saw remarkable advancements in various sectors. He initiated the annual Science and Technology Exhibition, TechExpo, providing a platform for innovators and investors to collaborate. Dr. Onu advocated for economic diversification through the adoption of science and technology, supporting the commercialization of research findings to boost local industries.

His ministry also played a key role in the development of Executive Orders promoting local content and a knowledge-based economy. Dr. Onu spearheaded the increase in patents in Nigeria, encouraging innovators to protect their intellectual property.