Onunaiju was born in 1964, in Mgbidi, Imo State, Nigeria. As the founder and director of the Centre for China Studies, he has spent decades analysing global affairs, development policy, and the evolving partnership between China and Africa.
Onunaiju has authored several influential books, including China and Nigeria in World Affairs, China/Africa: Issues, Challenges and Possibilities, China and the Struggle for Modernisation: From Revolution to Reform, Century of the Communist Party of China: Why Africa Should Engage its Experience and Prospects for Modernisation in Africa: A Contribution of Xi Jinping Thought.
His articles, policy papers, and commentaries have appeared in numerous national and international publications, where he provides insightful perspectives on international relations, economic development, and China’s engagement with Africa. He is widely recognised for his contributions to fostering mutual understanding between China and Africa, he was awarded the China Special Book Award in 2016. He is married with children and lives in Abuja, Nigeria.