# Goodluck Jonathan > President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 **Wikidata**: [Q57380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57380) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodluck_Jonathan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goodluck-jonathan ## Summary Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is a Nigerian politician who served as President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He became President following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, making him the first President to assume office through succession in Nigeria's history. Jonathan's presidency was marked by efforts to combat the Boko Haram insurgency, maintain democratic stability in Africa's most populous nation, and manage Nigeria's position as a major oil producer and regional power. ## Biography - **Born:** November 20, 1957 - **Nationality:** Nigeria - **Education:** University of Port Harcourt (public university in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, established in 1975) - **Known for:** Serving as President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015; first Nigerian President to assume office through succession - **Employer(s):** Office of the President of Nigeria; Government of Nigeria - **Field(s):** Politics; Presidential Leadership; Governance ## Contributions As President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, Goodluck Jonathan led Africa's most populous nation through a period of significant political and security challenges. His administration focused on: - **Democratic Continuity:** Maintained Nigeria's democratic governance following the illness and death of President Yar'Adua, ensuring a peaceful transition of power through elections. - **Counter-Terrorism Efforts:** Led Nigeria's response to the Boko Haram insurgency, which included military operations and regional cooperation with neighboring countries. - **Economic Management:** Oversaw Nigeria's economy during his presidency, managing the country's position as a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) since July 1971. - **Regional Leadership:** Played a key role in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) affairs as leader of Nigeria, the organization's most influential member state. ## FAQs **What is Goodluck Jonathan best known for?** Goodluck Jonathan is best known for serving as President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, becoming the first Nigerian President to assume office through succession rather than election following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. **Where did Goodluck Jonathan receive his education?** Goodluck Jonathan was educated at the University of Port Harcourt, a public university located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which was established in 1975. **What awards or recognition has Goodluck Jonathan received?** Goodluck Jonathan has received the Order of the Pioneers of Liberia, an order of merit awarded by the Republic of Liberia since January 7, 1955. **What was Goodluck Jonathan's role in Nigerian politics?** Goodluck Jonathan served as President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. Prior to becoming President, he served as Vice President under President Yar'Adua from 2007 to 2010. **What is Goodluck Jonathan's full name?** Goodluck Jonathan's full name is Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan. He is also known as Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Goodluck E. Jonathan, and G.E.J. ## Why They Matter Goodluck Jonathan's presidency represented a critical period in Nigeria's democratic evolution. As the first President to assume office through succession, he established an important precedent for democratic continuity in the country. His leadership during the Boko Haram insurgency shaped Nigeria's counter-terrorism policies and regional security cooperation with neighboring countries including Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Jonathan's presidency occurred during a pivotal time for Nigeria, which possesses the largest population in West Africa (exceeding 211 million people) and serves as a major economic power with a nominal GDP of $477.38 billion USD. His administration navigated complex challenges including ethnic diversity (with major groups including Hausa at 22.1%, Yoruba at 21%, and Igbo at 18%), religious tensions, and resource management in Africa's leading oil-producing nation. The peaceful transfer of power following his defeat in the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari was particularly significant, as it marked the first time an incumbent Nigerian president peacefully ceded power to an opposition candidate, strengthening Nigeria's democratic credentials. ## Notable For - First President of Nigeria to assume office through succession (2010) - First incumbent President to lose an election and peacefully transfer power in Nigeria (2015) - Serving as President of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation with over 211 million people - Leading Nigeria as a member of OPEC and major player in global energy markets - Recipient of the Order of the Pioneers of Liberia - Managing Nigeria's diverse demographic landscape comprising hundreds of languages and multiple ethnic groups ## Body ### Early Life and Education Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan was born on November 20, 1957. He received his higher education at the University of Port Harcourt, one of Nigeria's prominent public universities located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The university was established in 1975 and serves as a significant academic institution in the Niger Delta region. ### Political Ascendancy Jonathan's political career began in the Rivers State government, where he served in various capacities. He later became Vice President to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in 2007, a position he held until Yar'Adua's death in 2010. Upon Yar'Adua's death in 2010, Jonathan assumed the presidency, making history as Nigeria's first President to come to power through succession. He was subsequently elected in his own right in 2011, winning a full four-year term. ### Presidency (2010-2015) As President, Jonathan led the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a sovereign state and federal republic situated in West Africa. Nigeria operates under a presidential system with its capital in Abuja (since December 12, 1991) and maintains extensive international diplomatic and economic relations. During his presidency, Jonathan oversaw: - **Security Challenges:** Nigeria faced the Boko Haram insurgency, which posed significant security threats, particularly in the northeastern states. His administration implemented military responses and sought regional cooperation. - **Economic Management:** Nigeria, with a nominal GDP of $477.38 billion USD (2022), remained Africa's largest economy and a major oil producer. Jonathan's administration managed the country's petroleum-dependent economy during his tenure. - **Democratic Processes:** The 2015 general elections were a defining moment of his presidency, resulting in his defeat by Muhammadu Buhari. Notably, Jonathan conceded defeat and facilitated a peaceful transition, a first in Nigerian history. ### International Relations Under Jonathan's leadership, Nigeria maintained its prominent role in international organizations including the United Nations (since 1960), the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, the World Trade Organization, OPEC (since July 1971), and ECOWAS. Nigeria's diplomatic relations spanned major global powers including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, Israel, and India. ### Post-Presidency Following his presidency, Goodluck Jonathan has remained active in regional and continental affairs. He has been involved in election observation missions across Africa and has continued to contribute to democratic governance discussions on the continent. ### Recognition Jonathan has received international recognition for his contributions, including the Order of the Pioneers of Liberia, one of Liberia's highest honors. This award reflects his role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa during his presidency. ### Legacy Goodluck Jonathan's legacy is characterized by his role in consolidating Nigeria's democratic institutions. His peaceful acceptance of electoral defeat in 2015 set a precedent for democratic transitions in Nigeria and across Africa. His presidency also highlighted the challenges of governing Nigeria's complex multi-ethnic society, with its diverse population comprising Hausa (22.1%), Yoruba (21%), Igbo (18%), Ijaw (10%), and numerous other ethnic groups. His leadership during periods of insecurity and economic management of Africa's leading oil producer cemented his place in Nigerian and African political history. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.gej.ng/biography/) 2. Dictionary of African Biography 3. Davos 2014 Participant List 4. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa 5. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8510390.stm) 6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 7. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 8. Munzinger Personen 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. Davos 2013 Participant List 11. BBC Things 12. X 13. Quora