[4]) Ukpolo came to the United States at age 23 as a student at the University of Maryland at College Park from which he received his bachelor's degree.
An economist,[6] Ukpolo serves on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Committee on Economic and Workforce Development.
[9] The Times-Picayune, in an editorial on 2009 March 19, praised Ukpolo and U.S. Representative Joseph Cao in their efforts to secure funding for restoration of SUNO's campus.
[10] Ukpolo also sought to protect the jobs of up to 50 employees who would be laid off if SUNO had to accommodate a $3 million reduction in state appropriation amid the economic downturn in 2009.
[11] Amid tough decisions Ukpolo can be counted on to do "the right thing for SUNO" according to Tony Clayton, chair of the Board of Supervisors for the Southern University System.