Pat Utomi: The Policy Erudite

Patrick Okedinachi Utomi was born on this day in 1956 to Delta-Igbo parents in Kaduna. His parents were staunch Christians. As such, he attended several missionary schools. A dedicated and intelligent student, he finished his secondary education at 15. Unlike now when people within this age bracket can go to the university, the accepted age during his time was 17. Hence, he attended the Federal School of Arts and Science. At 17, Utomi gained admission to study Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria in 1973.

Upon his graduation in 1977, he went on to Indiana University, USA to further his education and finished with a PhD. Utomi, a Nigerian enthusiast established the Centre for Value in Leadership to create value for the Nigerian with a leader mindset.

He has also offered his services to the Nigerian government through policy papers consultancy, spoken at international conferences and has had several collaborations.

In 2003, Utomi achieved a milestone in academics when he became professor, Social and Political Economy Environment of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Lagos Business School. 

He has held several positions including adviser to the Nigerian president; Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen Nigeria; Chairman, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) among others.

Ahead of the 2019 election, Utomi a man with fresh ideas contested for the number one position in his state Delta under the ruling party (All Progressive Congress). However, this was overturned by the faction.