- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Indiana University, Bloomington
Patrick Okedinachi Utomi, born on February 6, 1956, in Kaduna, Nigeria, is a distinguished professor of political economy, management expert, and prominent public figure. With a career spanning academia, business, and politics, Utomi has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick Okedinachi Utomi was born to a family hailing from Igbuzo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. His early education took him across various Nigerian cities:
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Primary Education:
- St. Thomas, Kano (1960–1962)
- Our Lady of Fatima, Gusau (1962–1966)
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Secondary Education:
- Christ the King College, Onitsha
- Loyola College, Ibadan
Completing his secondary education at 15, Utomi enrolled at the Federal School of Arts and Science due to the university entry age requirement of 17. In 1973, he commenced studies in Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 1977. He furthered his education in the United States, obtaining an MPA, MA, and Ph.D. from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Academic and Professional Career
Utomi’s career is marked by diverse roles across academia, government, and the private sector:
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Government Service: Upon returning to Nigeria, he served as Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari until the 1983 military coup.
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Private Sector: He held positions such as Chairman/CEO of Utomapp Holdings (1984–1986) and Assistant General Manager (Corporate Affairs) at Volkswagen Nigeria (1983–1993).
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Academia: In 2003, Utomi was appointed Professor of Social and Political Economy Environment of Business and Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School. He has also been a scholar-in-residence at Harvard Business School and American University in Washington, D.C.
Political Involvement
Utomi’s political journey includes:
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Presidential Aspirations: He ran for the presidency in 2007 under the African Democratic Congress and in 2011 with the Social Democratic Mega Party.
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Governorship Bid: In 2018, a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State declared him the gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 elections. However, the APC’s National Working Committee later recognized Chief Great Ogboru as the official candidate.
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Political Reforms: In 2021, Utomi, alongside other political figures, initiated efforts to form a new political party ahead of the 2023 general elections, aiming to provide alternative leadership.
Controversies and Public Perception
Throughout his career, Utomi has faced criticisms and controversies:
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Political Allegiances: Critics have accused him of opportunism due to his associations with various political parties, suggesting his shifting affiliations are driven by personal ambition rather than ideological commitment.
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Public Statements: Utomi has been vocal about political issues, including allegations of electoral malpractice. In a 2023 interview, he described the elections as a “civilian coup d’état,” highlighting concerns about democratic processes. YouTube
Collaborations and Associations with Igbo Figures
As an Igbo native, Utomi has collaborated with several prominent Igbo personalities:
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Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Both have roots in Delta State and have been influential in Nigeria’s economic discourse.
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Professor Charles Soludo: Utomi and Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, have participated in economic forums addressing Nigeria’s financial policies.
Honors and Recognitions
Utomi’s contributions have earned him several accolades:
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Named among Nigeria’s top ten living legends in the Vanguard/Silverbird Television Awards.
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Featured in “Great Nigeria Lives of the 20th Century” and “Who’s Who in Africa.”
Personal Life
Patrick Okedinachi Utomi, a distinguished Nigerian professor of political economy and management expert, is married to Professor Ifeoma Utomi. The couple has been recognized for their close partnership, both personally and professionally. Notably, they have hosted events together, such as a thanksgiving program attended by friends and family.
Regarding their children, specific details about the number of offspring or their individual identities are not extensively documented in public sources. However, it is known that they have at least one son named Patrick Utomi Jr.. In October 2022, Patrick Jr.’s wife, Maya Famodu Utomi, shared insights into their intimate wedding ceremony, highlighting the family’s approach to personal milestones. Vanguard News
While some social media posts suggest that Professor Utomi gifts his wife a new BMW car annually on her birthday, such claims lack verification from authoritative sources and should be approached with caution.
Overall, the Utomi family maintains a relatively private personal life, with limited public information available about their family dynamics.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Utomi has authored several books and articles focusing on political economy, leadership, and national development, contributing to academic and public policy discussions.
Conclusion
Patrick Okedinachi Utomi’s multifaceted career reflects a commitment to Nigeria’s development through academia, business, and politics. Despite facing challenges and controversies, his contributions to national discourse and leadership continue to influence Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
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