Nigeria has lost one of its foremost Christian leaders and evangelists, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The revered preacher, teacher, and humanitarian was widely celebrated for his fiery evangelism and enduring contributions to the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by his family on Monday, Rev. Ukpai was described as a “faithful soldier of the cross” whose life exemplified devotion, humility, and unwavering faith.
“Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe,” the statement read.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Uma Ukpai began his journey of faith and service early in life. He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, and Khana County Council School, Ogoni, before proceeding to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and the Niger Delta Technical School (now Boys Technical College, Aba).
He later pursued further studies abroad, obtaining qualifications from institutions such as the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, UK, South Florida Christian College, Carolina Christian University, and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.
Ukpai held a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor’s and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
Ministry and Impact
Rev. Ukpai was the Founder and President of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational Christian ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Through the UUEA, he organised large-scale gospel crusades across the world that became renowned for miracles, healing, and soul-winning.
He was also a founding leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), playing a key role in uniting Charismatic and Pentecostal churches during Nigeria’s Christian revival of the 1970s and 1980s.
Marriage and Humanitarian Work
Rev. Ukpai was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, who is also a minister of the gospel. Their marriage was blessed with children.
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Beyond ministry, Ukpai was deeply committed to education and humanitarian causes. He established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, and the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, which provided financial support to students from diverse backgrounds.
He also founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital, a specialist healthcare institution serving communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
Legacy and Global Reach
Rev. Uma Ukpai’s ministry spanned over six decades, reaching audiences across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. His teachings on faith, healing, and hope inspired countless Christians and significantly influenced the growth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.
He will be remembered as a spiritual general, teacher, and mentor, whose life embodied the biblical truth that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).