About Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai
A legacy of faith, service, and transformation spanning over five decades
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai is a revered international evangelist, Christian leader, and bridge-builder in the body of Christ. Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria, he hails from the Igbo ethnic group. His life is a testimony of divine grace, resilience, and unwavering faith in God. At the age of 13, he gave his life to Christ, a decision that marked the beginning of a journey that would impact countless lives across the world.
Dr. Ukpai's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. He lost his father at the age of ten, an experience that forced him into early responsibility. He often recalls those years as the foundation of his compassion for the poor and broken-hearted.
"I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I learnt early that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone."
Founding Story
More than five decades ago, Rev. Uma Ukpai started the ministry in his sitting room with a handful of people who gathered to pray and study the word. From that humble beginning the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) grew into a global ministry reaching millions through crusades, healing services, education, and humanitarian missions.
Early Life and Education
He began his formal education at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School in Asaga and later attended Khana County Council School, Ogoni. He proceeded to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and later to Niger Delta Technical School, now known as Boys Technical College, Aba. Determined to further his education, he pursued studies abroad, attending the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, in the United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College, Miami, USA; Carolina Christian University; and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. He obtained a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor's and Doctorate degrees in Divinity.
Ministry and Impact
Dr. Uma Ukpai is the Founder and President of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational Christian ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The ministry is committed to evangelism, healing, deliverance, education, and humanitarian work. Through the UUEA, he has taken the Gospel to cities and nations, holding massive crusades that draw multitudes hungry for God's presence. His evangelistic campaigns, such as Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade (1985), Greater Ibadan for Christ (1982), Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade, and the Anioma One-Million Man Crusade (2016), have witnessed extraordinary miracles, healings, and deliverances. The Greater Lagos Crusade notably led to the formation of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), where Dr. Ukpai is recognized as one of the founding fathers.
Beyond preaching, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai believes in the Gospel of practical love. He established the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Specialist Hospital in Abia State, which provide free or affordable medical care to underserved communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. Through these outreaches, thousands have received not only physical healing but also the love of Christ in tangible ways.
In his passion for education and leadership development, he founded several institutions including the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies (UUST) in Uyo, the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic in Asaga, and the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation. He also established the Joseph Business School, an affiliate of the Joseph Business School in Chicago, USA, to equip believers for leadership and entrepreneurship. These initiatives reflect his vision for holistic ministry, one that ministers to the body, soul, and spirit.
Dr. Ukpai's ministry has spanned more than five decades, during which he has become a father of faith to many across denominational lines. Known for his humility, bold faith, and prophetic insight, he has consistently preached a message of hope, healing, and unity in the body of Christ.
"Awesomely awesome God."— Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai
Family and Personal Life
He is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Philomena Uma Ukpai, a devoted woman of faith who serves alongside him in ministry. Their marriage has been blessed with eight children and an adopted child, though they once endured the painful loss of two children in a tragic car accident on the same day, a testimony of their strength, endurance, and faith in God even in adversity.
Today, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai continues to be a beacon of light and a vessel of God's power to this generation. Through crusades, medical missions, and educational programs, his ministry continues to transform lives, uplift communities, and advance the Kingdom of God. At over eighty years of age, he remains active in ministry, proving that the fire of divine calling never dies. His life is a living testimony that God truly uses ordinary men to do extraordinary things.
Major Milestones
Encounter with Christ
At age 13, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai encountered Jesus Christ, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and ministry that would transform millions of lives.
Foundation of UUEA
Founded Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) in his living room, beginning over 50 years of Gospel ministry and crusades across nations.
King of Kings Hospital
Established King of Kings Specialist Hospital in Ohafor, Ohafia LGA, providing 24/7 medical care to underserved communities.
Uma Ukpai School of Theology
Founded UUST in Uyo, affiliated with University of Uyo, offering BA programs in Theology, Ministry, and Christian Leadership.
Uma Ukpai Eye Centre
Opened specialized eye care facility in Asaga Ohafia, performing over 529 successful cataract surgeries and serving 80-120 rural communities.
Uma Ukpai Polytechnic
Established polytechnic in Asaga-Ohafia, accredited by NBTE, offering technical education in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Administration.
Prayer City Foundation
Laid foundation for Uma Ukpai Prayer City in Isiugwu-Ohafia, planned as one of the world's largest auditoriums with 120,000 seating capacity.
80th Birthday Celebration
Celebrated 80th birthday with gratitude, celebration, and N80 million in gifts from followers, marking five decades of faithful ministry.
Leadership Team
Pastor (Mrs.) Philomena Uma Ukpai
Executive Director, Uma Ukpai School of Theology & Joseph Business School, Uyo
Pastor Philomena Onwanma Uma Ukpai is the wife of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai and serves alongside him in leadership within the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA). She is co-founder of the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and was influential in upgrading the centre to provide advanced surgical services such as phacoemulsification cataract surgery. She is author of "Ma, I Have Found A Man".
Awards & Honors
The Sun Newspapers Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
Recognizing decades of evangelical service and social outreach.
Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Science, D.Sc.)
Conferred by Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State.
Civic Reception in Ohafia, Abia State
Honouring philanthropic works.
Recognition by Government Officials at 80th Birthday
Governor Umo Eno described him as "God's gift to Akwa Ibom State".