All about Uche Nnaji: his life story from business to politics
Uche Nnaji is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and politician who rose from humble beginnings in Enugu to become one of the country’s notable leaders. He currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, a role he assumed in August 2023 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Nnaji first established himself as a successful entrepreneur before transitioning into politics.
- In August 2023, he was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- He studied Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Profile summary
| Full name | Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 16 June 1963 |
| Age | 62 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac | Gemini |
| Place of birth | Nkanu-West, Nigeria |
| Current residence | Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | African |
| State of origin | Enugu State |
| Tribe | Igbo |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Mother | Monica Nnenna Nnaji |
| Father | Chief Obed Nnaji |
| Siblings | 3 |
| Marital status | Married |
| Children | 4 |
| School | Santa Maria Primary School, St. Patrick’s College |
| University | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) |
| Profession | Politician, entrepreneur |
Uche Nnaji’s biography
The popular politician was born Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji on 16 June 1963 in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. He hails from Enugu State, Nigeria, and he is of the Igbo tribe.
Uche Nnaji is the eldest of the four children of Chief Obed Nnaji and Monica Nnenna Nnaji. His father passed away in 1978.
One of his siblings, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, represents the Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the People’s Democratic Party. Nnoli was also re-elected in the 2023 general elections.
Source: Original
Uche Nnaji’s educational background
Minister Uche Nnaji attended Santa Maria Primary School in Enugu, which is now known as Ziks Avenue Primary School. He later continued his studies at St. Patrick’s College, located in Emene, Enugu State. Chief Nnaji earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Combined Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Uche Nnaji's career journey: From business to politics
Uche Nnaji began his career in business after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He used a small loan from his mother to travel to London and import medical supplies, which he sold to hospitals in Enugu.
His success in medical procurement led to major contracts, including the installation of hospital-grade plumbing and sanitary wares at UNTH Ituku/Ozalla.
Source: UGC
In 1999, Uche moved into politics and was set to run for Senate under the PDP, but internal party politics replaced him with Ken Nnaman. He switched to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) just 72 hours before the election, and won in 65 out of 66 wards, defeating Nnamani. However, he later stepped down for Chief Jim Nwobodo.
Over the years, he remained active in politics, even facing jail time during the Abacha regime for supporting the opposition. In 2023, he ran for governor in Enugu State under the APC, though he did not win.
His political journey took a major step forward when he was appointed as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While speaking about the importance of promoting innovation within Nigeria at the 2024 Technology Innovation Expo in Abuja, Uche Nnaji stressed the need to support homegrown solutions and industries. On advancing locally made products, as per This Day Live, he said:
The objective is to promote locally made goods and services, which will reduce the high cost of importation, enhance revenue generation, create employment opportunities, and improve the standard of living of Nigerians.
Source: UGC
FAQs
- Who is Uche Nnaji? He is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and politician who currently serves as the country’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
- What is Uche Nnaji’s home town? The Nigerian politician was born in Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria.
- What tribe is Uche Nnaji from? He is of the Igbo tribe.
- What is Uche Nnaji’s age? Uche is 62 years old as of 2025.
- What is Uche Nnaji’s date of birth? The businessman was born on 16 June 1963, and his zodiac sign is Gemini.
- Who are Uche Nnaji's parents? His parents are Chief Obed Nnaji and Monica Nnenna Nnaji.
- Does Uche Nnaji have siblings? Uche Nnaji has three siblings, including Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, a member of the House of Representatives for Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency.
- Who is Uche Nnaji’s wife? The Nigerian minister is married, but his wife’s name and personal details are not publicly disclosed.
- Does Uche Nnaji have children? Uche has four children, but he has never disclosed their identities to the public.
Uche Nnaji is a Nigerian businessman turned politician who currently serves as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Before his ministerial role, he built a career in business and contested for governor of Enugu State. Uche is married with four children.
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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
