BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has secured his fourth honorary doctorate and used the moment to amplify a renewed call for stronger private sector investment in education and nation-building.
The honorary Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) was conferred by Abia State University at its 32nd convocation ceremony, attended by top academic figures, industry leaders and government officials.
The event was led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo, alongside Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, and Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, reflecting the institution’s recognition of Onyema’s growing national influence beyond aviation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Onyema delivered a pointed message on Nigeria’s development trajectory, warning that education must be treated as a shared responsibility.
“One thing is certain, I believe in education. Without education, the country is dead and whatever we must do to encourage education, the government alone cannot fund it. The private sector must be actively involved,” he said.
His remarks highlight a persistent gap in Nigeria’s education financing, with Onyema urging businesses to step in as strategic partners rather than passive observers.
According to him, sustainable national growth hinges on deliberate investment in human capital—an area he believes has not received adequate private sector attention.
He also acknowledged the role of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, whose nomination paved the way for the honour, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating.
For Onyema, the latest doctorate is less about accolades and more about responsibility.
His track record shows a consistent pattern of backing his advocacy with action—ranging from scholarship programmes to job creation and youth empowerment initiatives tied to his business operations.
Under his leadership, Air Peace has evolved into a major aviation player in West and Central Africa, while simultaneously serving as a platform for broader socio-economic contributions. Analysts say this dual focus—profitability and public impact—has set Onyema apart in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
His growing list of honorary degrees, observers note, mirrors the widening scope of his influence, particularly in areas that intersect business, education and social responsibility.
Yet, at the convocation, Onyema steered attention away from personal recognition, framing the moment as a call to action for Nigeria’s elite and corporate leaders.
He stressed that without a strong educational foundation, other sectors of the economy would struggle to achieve meaningful progress.
The conferment by Abia State University therefore underscores a deeper narrative—one that links enterprise with national development, and positions education as the cornerstone of that relationship.
As Nigeria navigates economic and social challenges, Onyema’s message adds to the growing chorus advocating for a more collaborative development model, where government and private sector jointly shoulder the burden of building a more resilient and educated society.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
