President Tinubu nominates Dr. Kingsley Ude — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking confirmation of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, SAN, from Enugu State, as the new Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji-LeadNaija Reports
The letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Tuesday’s plenary session, conveyed the President’s formal request for the upper chamber’s approval in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the correspondence, Dr. Ude’s nomination reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s science and technology sector through the appointment of capable, reform-driven technocrats, LeadNaija gathered
“In accordance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I hereby forward the name of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, SAN, from Enugu State, for confirmation as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter read in part.
President Tinubu emphasized that the nominee brings a wealth of experience in legal practice, innovation policy, and intellectual property development — key areas critical to the country’s drive for technological advancement and sustainable development.
Senate President Akpabio, after reading the letter to members of the Red Chamber, directed the Committee on Appointments to commence the screening process immediately.
“The nominee will appear before the Senate for screening and confirmation at the earliest possible date,” Akpabio stated.
The development follows the recent resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, who previously held the position of Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Nnaji reportedly stepped down for personal reasons, though government sources hinted at ongoing policy realignments within the ministry.
Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is widely regarded as one of the nation’s foremost legal and innovation policy experts. He is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the London School of Economics (LSE), with over two decades of experience in technology law, research commercialization, and innovation management.
He previously served as a policy adviser to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and has represented Nigeria in multiple international fora on science, technology, and innovation (STI).
If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Ude will join President Tinubu’s cabinet at a time when the federal government is pushing to expand local research capacity, boost digital innovation, and encourage public-private partnerships in emerging technology fields.
Policy analysts have described the nomination as a strategic step toward repositioning the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology as a driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Dr. Uche Amadi, a policy consultant and technology expert, told LeadNaija News that Dr. Ude’s legal background could help bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
“His combination of law and technology experience is rare in the Nigerian context,” Dr. Amadi noted.
“He understands both the regulatory framework and the innovation ecosystem — two critical components in driving scientific advancement and digital transformation.”
Meanwhile, reactions have begun to trail the replacement move, with some political observers suggesting that it reflects President Tinubu’s ongoing effort to ensure regional balance and competence within his cabinet.
An aide at the State House who spoke anonymously said the President expects the new nominee to “inject fresh energy into the science and technology sector” and fast-track implementation of key innovation policies.
“The President believes Dr. Ude has the track record, knowledge, and discipline to transform the ministry into an engine for economic growth,” the source said.
With the Senate’s confirmation process expected to take place within the week, Nigerians await the official approval that would make Dr. Ude the substantive Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
