Profile of Geoffrey Ijoma David, career achievements, appointments

Dr. Geoffrey Ijomah David Chima is a distinguished diplomat and accomplished scholar from Ebonyi State.

He was recently nominated as an Ambassador-Designate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an honour that reflects decades of committed service, professional excellence and loyalty to Nigeria’s diplomatic mission.

Profile summary

Name: Geoffrey Ijomah David Chima

Born: September 26, 1969

Place of birth: Ebonyi

Education: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Marital status: Married

Religion: Christianity

Career: Diplomat, Scholar

Background

Dr. Chima was born on 26 September 1969 in Nzerem Okue, Ishiagu, located in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He grew up in a modest and close-knit community where values such as hard work, humility and perseverance shaped his early worldview. These values later became central to his growth in public service.

Academic journey

He began his education at Nzerem Community School, Ishiagu, where he received his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979.

He later attended Government Secondary School, Okposi, graduating with his WAEC certificate in 1984.

Driven by an early passion for knowledge, he proceeded to the University of Calabar between 1990 and 1995, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Communication Arts.

His interest in global affairs led him to the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy in Lagos, where he completed a professional postgraduate certificate in International Relations, Diplomacy and International Law in 1999.

To deepen his academic capacity, Dr. Chima obtained a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Policy and Administration from IDAN, Abuja, in 2008.

He capped his academic journey with a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, Thailand, completed in 2016.

His academic journey reflects strong dedication, depth and international exposure.

Entry into foreign service

Dr. Chima joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in October 1997. His early years in the service offered him the experience and discipline required to build a solid career in diplomacy, national representation and international relations.

Diplomatic career across continents

Over the years, Dr. Chima has served Nigeria with distinction across Africa, Europe and Asia.

He is currently the Minister and Head of the Consular and Immigration Section at the Embassy of Nigeria in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a position he assumed in March 2023.

Before this posting, he served as Deputy Director in the Consular and Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja from 2020 to 2023.

From 2017 to 2020, he was Minister and Head of the Consular and Immigration Section at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Spain.

Prior to that, he worked as Assistant Director in the Training and Staff Welfare Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 2016 and 2017.

Between 2013 and 2015, he served as Chief Foreign Service Officer in the Office of the Permanent Secretary.

He was Senior Consular and Economic Desk Officer at the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2010 to 2013.

He also served as Counsellor in the East and Central Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, from 2005 to 2010.

Earlier in his career, he held the position of Second Secretary, Counsellor and Protocol Officer at the Nigeria High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2000 to 2004, and previously worked as Third Secretary at the Office of the National Security Adviser between 1999 and 2000.

Across these postings, Dr. Chima became known for cultural intelligence, calm leadership, strong communication skills and a deep commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

Personal life

Beyond his diplomatic duties, Dr. Chima is a reflective writer and a lover of music.

He values meaningful relationships and is known for his warm, approachable nature. His character combines intellectual strength with humility and discipline.

Dr. Geoffrey Ijomah David Chima is a devoted family man.

He is married with children and often attributes his achievements and resilience to the unwavering support of his family.