ABUAD Convocation Obiora Okonkwo Calls for Practical Skills and Moral Values in Nigerian Education

Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has called for a major reform of Nigeria’s educational system, urging universities to combine academic knowledge with practical skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and strong moral values.

Okonkwo made the call while delivering the 14th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), titled *“Functional Education and the Nigerian Project: Strategic Human Capital Development for National Renewal.”*

He said Nigeria must move beyond producing graduates with academic certificates to developing individuals capable of solving problems, creating jobs, driving innovation and contributing to national development.

According to him, functional education should equip students with competencies relevant to the workplace, encourage entrepreneurship and prepare them to respond to the country’s economic priorities and changing labour market demands.

He urged universities to strengthen practical training, research, multidisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with industry across fields such as agriculture, engineering, medicine, business, law and the sciences.

Okonkwo also stressed that technical competence must be supported by integrity, discipline, accountability, patriotism and compassion.

“Human capital without moral capital cannot sustain national development,” he declared, warning that corruption and a lack of accountability could undermine the benefits of education, innovation and professional expertise.

He explained that ethical values were essential for building public trust, attracting investment, strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The convocation lecturer commended ABUAD for its efforts to connect academic learning with practical application, innovation and entrepreneurship. However, he urged the university and other tertiary institutions to continue reviewing their curricula to meet industry requirements.

Addressing the graduating students, Okonkwo encouraged them to become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and value creators rather than relying solely on the search for paid employment.

He advised graduates to embrace technology, maintain high professional standards, protect their integrity and commit to lifelong learning.

“Do not mistake your certificate for the education itself; let the true evidence of your education be found in what you do with the knowledge and opportunities you have received,” he told the graduates.

The founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, praised Okonkwo’s lecture, describing it as one of the most brilliant presentations he had heard.

Babalola agreed that Nigerian universities needed to review their curricula to prepare students for the realities of the modern economy and emerging industries.

He also expressed concern about universities operating without adequate facilities and standards, calling for stronger scrutiny of institutions seeking regulatory approval.

The legal icon disclosed that he planned to share copies of the lecture with the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Federal Ministry of Education and the President for consideration.

He maintained that properly structured education could equip Nigerians with the skills needed to earn a living despite the country’s economic difficulties.

Earlier, ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, highlighted the university’s partnership with United Nigeria Airlines as an example of collaboration between higher education and industry.

She disclosed that a memorandum of understanding signed by both institutions in February 2026 would provide students in aeronautics and aerospace-related programmes with six months of practical industrial training at the airline’s engineering workshop in Lagos.

According to Olarinde, the initiative would enable students to apply classroom knowledge, gain professional experience and acquire industry-specific skills.

She also noted the airline’s role in improving access to the university community, including its operation at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and a subsidised flight for ABUAD students in December 2025.

The 14th ABUAD Convocation Lecture highlighted the need for Nigeria to make higher education more relevant to employment, entrepreneurship, technological advancement and national development.

The speakers emphasised that universities must go beyond awarding degrees by equipping students with practical competencies, ethical values and the ability to create solutions to societal challenges.

The partnership between ABUAD and United Nigeria Airlines was also presented as an example of how industry collaboration can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements.

Okonkwo’s central message was that the true value of education lies not only in academic qualifications but also in how graduates use their knowledge and skills to create opportunities, serve society and contribute to Nigeria’s development.