Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai (7 January 1945 – 6 October 2025) was a respected Nigerian Christian leader, evangelist, and preacher. He was the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. For more than six decades, he dedicated his life to preaching the gospel, mentoring ministers, and touching lives through crusades and humanitarian works.
He was also one of the founding fathers of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and played a major role in strengthening the growth of Pentecostal Christianity in the country.
Uma Ukpai Profile
| Name | Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai |
| Real Name | Uma Ukpai |
| Date of Birth | 7 January 1945 |
| Date of Death | 6 October 2025 (80 years) |
| State of Origin | Abia State |
| Tribe | Igbo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Evangelist and Preacher |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, and Khana County Council School, Ogoni, before moving on to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School (now Boys Technical College, Aba). Ukpai later furthered his education abroad.
He studied at the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College, Miami, USA; Carolina Christian University, and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. He held a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor’s and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
Career
Dr. Uma Ukpai began his ministry in the early 1970s, driven by a strong passion for soul-winning and revival. He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), which became known for its large crusades, healing services, and Christian training programs across Nigeria and beyond.
Through the UUEA, he organized the popular Hope for the Nation crusades that drew thousands of worshippers. His ministry focused on faith, deliverance, healing, and leadership development. He was also an author, teacher, and spiritual mentor to many pastors and church leaders. Over the years, Ukpai became one of Nigeria’s most recognized evangelists, often called a spiritual general for his unwavering dedication to the gospel.
Controversies
Though widely respected, Rev. Ukpai occasionally faced criticism over some of his public statements and faith teachings, especially from those who questioned the methods of modern Pentecostal evangelism. However, he maintained his focus on preaching unity, holiness, and integrity in ministry.
Personal Life
Uma Ukpai was born on 7 January 1945 in Asaga, Ohafia, in present-day Abia State, Nigeria. He lost his father at the age of 10, an experience that shaped his compassion for the poor and his determination to succeed. He gave his life to Christ in 1958.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai in 1975. Their marriage was blessed with eight biological children and one adopted child. Sadly, he lost two of his children in a car accident on the same day, a tragedy he often described as one of his life’s hardest tests of faith.
Despite his many challenges, he remained strong in faith, often encouraging others to see pain as a path to purpose. He passed away on 6 October 2025 at the age of 80. His family described his death as a “glorious transition from a life of service to eternal rest.
Uma Ukpai Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/uma_ukpai
Uma Ukpai Net Worth
Dr. Uma Ukpai‘s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million during his life time.
Death
Dr Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. His death was confirmed in a statement released by his family, who described it as a glorious transition from a life of devoted service to eternal rest. According to the family, Ukpai spent his final years surrounded by his loved ones and remained active in ministry until his health began to decline.