Birth
Goodluck Jonathan was born in Otueke, Rivers State (now Bayelsa) into a family of canoe makers on November 20, 1957.
Education
Attended St. Stephens and St. Michaels Primary Schools, Oloibiri, where he finished in 1969. In 1975, graduated from Mater Dei High School, Imiringi.
In 1981, obtained a B.Sc. degree in zoology from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he later obtained Master’s degree in hydrobiology and fisheries biology, as well as doctorate in zoology.
Career
Worked as a preventive officer with the Nigeria Customs Service before he attended UNIPORT.
In 1982, appointed science inspector of education, Rivers State Ministry of Education. Between 1983 and 1993, lectured biological science at the Rivers State College of Education.
In 1993, worked as environmental protection officer of ecology of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC).
Political journey
Resigned as environmental protection officer in 1998 to be the running mate of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who became Bayelsa State Governor on May 29, 1999 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Became governor on December 9, 2005 after Alamieyeseigha was impeached.
Was vice president to Umaru Yar’Adua on May 29, 2007. On February 9, 2010 became acting president after Yar’ Adua fell ill. On May 6, 2010 sworn in as president after Yar’Adua’s death the previous day.
Won election in his own right in April 2011 and was sworn into office again on May 29, 2011.
Religion: Christian
Family: Married to Patience