BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has been selected to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and will also receive an honorary doctorate degree during the institution’s 2026 convocation ceremonies.
The university announced that Okonkwo will deliver the convocation lecture on October 20, 2026, at the Alfa Belgore Multipurpose Hall on the university campus, while the honorary degree will be conferred on him during the grand finale of the convocation on October 21.
In a letter signed by the Founder and Chancellor of the university, Afe Babalola, the institution said its Senate approved Okonkwo’s appointment as Convocation Lecturer in recognition of his achievements in business, aviation and public service.
According to the university, Okonkwo will be one of three distinguished Nigerians to receive honorary degrees at the event.
The awards are reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity and national development.
Explaining the rationale behind the selection, Babalola described the airline chairman as a worthy choice, citing his accomplishments and professional pedigree.
“With your antecedents and pedigree, you are certainly the right person to be invited to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture,” the Chancellor stated.
He added that the invitation would also provide Okonkwo an opportunity to witness firsthand the university’s efforts over the past 16 years to transform higher education in Nigeria through its emphasis on quality and functional learning.
Babalola noted that ABUAD has continued to champion educational excellence since its establishment, positioning itself as one of the country’s leading private universities.
Responding to the honour, Okonkwo expressed appreciation to the university and its founder, describing the invitation as a privilege and a call to service.
“I am absolutely delighted to accept both proposed designations as Convocation Lecturer and as a Recipient of the University’s Honorary Degree,” he said.
The aviation entrepreneur said he was honoured to join the list of distinguished statesmen, scholars and technocrats who had previously participated in the university’s convocation ceremonies and intellectual engagements.
Okonkwo added that the opportunity would enable him to contribute to discussions on nation-building and societal progress.
“I consider it an honour to join the eminent cast of statesmen and technocrats you have featured over the years in these prestigious ceremonies to propagate the conversation on a better society for all of us,” he said.
He further noted that he values every opportunity to contribute to the advancement of humanity and pledged to participate fully in the convocation activities.
The 2026 convocation is expected to attract leading figures from academia, business, government and the private sector, as ABUAD celebrates another graduating class and honours outstanding Nigerians whose contributions have impacted society.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
