- He became renowned for his mass crusades marked by faith healing and his extensive network
- Ukpai pursued an extensive education both in Nigeria and abroad
- Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, leaving behind a spiritual and practical legacy
As the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and a key leader in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), he became renowned for his mass crusades marked by faith healing and his extensive network of educational and medical institutions, leaving an indelible mark on both the spiritual and social landscape of West Africa.
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EARLY LIFE AND THE CALL TO MINISTRY
Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. His childhood presented significant challenges; he lost his father at the tender age of 10. This experience of early hardship often shaped his compassionate ministry later in life, as he frequently stated he understood the struggles of the poor.
He converted to Christianity in 1958 and began his formal education in Southeastern Nigeria. His personal call to ministry manifested early in an extraordinary event: at about age 10, he reportedly confronted a madman who had disrupted his school, commanding the man to leave in the name of Jesus, which resulted in a miraculous healing. This event launched him into an early, informal ministry within his school.
EDUCATION AND FOUNDATIONAL TRANING
Despite his challenging start, Ukpai pursued an extensive education both in Nigeria and abroad. He held qualifications spanning multiple fields, including a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice and a Diploma in Journalism.
He later focused on his spiritual calling, graduating from several institutions in the USA, including the South Florida Christian College and the Carolina Christian University, ultimately earning both Bachelor’s and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
THE UMA UKPAI ENVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION (UUEA)
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai founded and served as the President of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational Christian ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The UUEA became the primary vehicle for his spiritual mission
His ministry was best known for massive, citywide gospel crusades across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. These events were characterized by passionate preaching, a strong prophetic element, and numerous reported miracles, healings, and soul-winning.
Ukpai was a founding leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the umbrella body uniting Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in the country. His historic Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985 is credited as a key event that led to the formation of the PFN.
Humanitarian and Educational Legacy
Ukpai’s vision extended well beyond the pulpit to encompass education and healthcare, aiming for holistic human empowerment. He established several key institutions like; The Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, and the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, which provided financial aid and training for countless individuals.
He founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital in Abia State, a specialist facility providing vital medical services to communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, leaving behind a spiritual and practical legacy as a “spiritual general” who dedicated over six decades to the service of God and humanity. He was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, who often served alongside him in ministry.
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