Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). The award was presented during the university's 14th convocation ceremony held in Ekiti State. This recognition comes as a result of Okonkwo's contributions to the aviation industry and his commitment to education.
The convocation ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Both dignitaries commended United Nigeria Airlines for its reliable service to Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji highlighted the airline's contributions to the state's development, citing the commissioning of a primary healthcare centre and a solar-powered borehole in Aso-Ayegunle, a community project donated by the airline.
The Ooni of Ife praised United Nigeria Airlines for maintaining its flight operations to Ekiti, noting that the service has made travel in and out of the state more accessible. He emphasized that United Nigeria Airlines is currently the only carrier flying to Ekiti from Abuja and Lagos. This development has positively impacted the state's connectivity and economic growth.
In his lecture, Prof. Okonkwo called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria's education system toward functional learning that blends academic knowledge, practical skills, entrepreneurship, and sound moral values. He emphasized that functional education should equip learners with relevant competencies, prepare them for the workplace, and encourage entrepreneurship. Okonkwo argued that curricula should be aligned with Nigeria's economic priorities, technological advancement, and labour market demands.
Prof. Okonkwo stressed the importance of moral formation in education, citing integrity, discipline, patriotism, leadership, accountability, industry, compassion, and humanity as essential values that tertiary institutions must cultivate. He linked trust and institutional quality to competitiveness, noting that investors are more likely to operate in environments where contracts are respected and ethical standards upheld. This approach aims to promote sustainable national development.
Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) expressed agreement with Okonkwo's emphasis on curriculum reform, stressing that institutions seeking approval to operate must meet rigorous standards. He criticised the proliferation of universities lacking adequate facilities and called for more stringent scrutiny of institutions. Babalola recalled that NUC officials once conducted physical inspections before granting approval, suggesting that quality and institutional readiness should again take priority.
Key points
- United Nigeria Airlines' commitment to corporate social responsibility and education reform.
- ABUAD's 14th convocation ceremony recognizes Prof. Okonkwo's contributions to education and aviation.
- The need for functional education and curriculum reform in Nigeria's education sector.
