Ogbonnaya Onu

**Ogbonnaya Onu** (born December 1, 1951) was a Nigerian politician, author, and engineer. He held prominent roles in Nigeria’s political landscape, notably as the first civilian Governor of Abia State and the longest-serving Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.Early Life and Education Ogbonnaya Onu was born in Ohaozara, present-day Ebonyi State, Nigeria. An accomplished academic, he attended the University of Lagos, where he studied Chemical Engineering and graduated with a First-Class Honours degree. Following his academic success in Nigeria, he proceeded to the United States for advanced studies, earning his doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.Career Progression and Major Achievements Onu's career spanned academia, administration, and politics. Before entering politics, he worked as a lecturer, eventually becoming the pioneer Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt. His political career began in 1991 when he was elected as the first civilian Governor of Abia State, serving until 1993. Following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Onu remained an active figure in national politics, holding various leadership positions within political parties. In 2015, he was appointed the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Nigeria, a position he held until his resignation in 2022 to pursue other political ambitions. During his tenure as minister, he was recognized as the longest-serving head of that ministry.Notable Works and Professional Life As an accomplished engineer and author, Dr. Onu held six patents. He also authored twelve books spanning diverse subjects, including philosophy, poetry, politics, developmental studies, biography, and science and technology.Current Status Ogbonnaya Onu passed away on April 11, 2024. He was survived by his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Chinyere Onu, children, and grandchildren.