Patrick Okedinachi Utomi is a distinguished Nigerian political economist, management specialist, and academician, widely recognized for his impactful contributions to Nigeria’s business, academic, and political landscapes.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Patrick Okedinachi Utomi |
| Date of Birth | 6 February 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Kaduna, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Partner | Dr. Ifeoma Utomi (Consultant Orthodontist) |
| Children | At least one son (Patrick Utomi Jr.) |
| Occupations | Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert, Founder of Centre for Values in Leadership, Former Special Assistant to President, CEO of Utomapp Holdings, Assistant General Manager at Volkswagen Nigeria, Political Candidate, Columnist, Chairman in various organizations |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on February 6, 1956, in Kaduna to Christian parents of Delta-Igbo descent, Utomi’s early education took place at various missionary schools.
Demonstrating exceptional academic ability, he completed secondary school by age 15, which was earlier than usual. He then attended the Federal School of Arts and Science before enrolling at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka at 17, where he earned a degree in Mass Communication in 1977.
Pursuing further studies in the United States, he obtained a PhD, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Arts from Indiana University, Bloomington. He also held research and scholar-in-residence positions at American University in Washington DC and Harvard Business School.
Career
Upon returning to Nigeria, Utomi was appointed Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari and worked closely with former Vice President Alex Ekwueme on public policy matters until the 1983 military takeover.
He later held executive roles including Chairman and CEO of Utomapp Holdings Limited and Assistant General Manager for Corporate Affairs at Volkswagen Nigeria.
In academia, he became a professor specializing in Social and Political Economy and Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School in 2003.
Utomi founded the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) and has served in leadership capacities at the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Platinum–Habib Bank.
He is also known for his involvement in civil society initiatives promoting good governance and transparency.
Politically, he contested for Nigeria’s presidency in 2007 and 2011 and played a key role in establishing a new opposition party ahead of the 2023 elections.
Personal Life
Patrick Utomi is married to Dr. Ifeoma Utomi, a Consultant Orthodontist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
The couple keeps their family life private, though it is known they have at least one son, Patrick Utomi Jr. Their partnership extends beyond family, reflecting mutual support in their professional endeavors.
Pat Utomi Net Worth
Estimates place Pat Utomi’s net worth at around $1 million, although this figure has not been independently confirmed.
Publications
Utomi has authored numerous books and articles focusing on political economy, leadership, and national development. Some of his notable works include:
- Managing Uncertainty: Competition and Strategy in Emerging Economies (1998)
- Why Nations are Poor (2006)
- The Art of Leading (2016)
- Critical Perspectives in Political Economy and Management (2000)
- Business Angel as a Missionary (2010)
- Conscience: Opinions in the Struggle for Nation Building (1999)
His writings have contributed significantly to policy debates and academic discourse in Nigeria and internationally.
Awards and Honors
Utomi has earned several honors, including recognition as one of Nigeria’s top ten living legends by the Vanguard/Silverbird Television Awards. He is featured in Great Nigeria Lives of the 20th Century and Who’s Who in Africa.
Additionally, he is a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and a member of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Nigeria Economic Society.
