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By Chinelo Obogo
The Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, is set to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), and will also receive an honorary degree from the institution at this year’s convocation ceremonies scheduled for October.
In a letter from the university’s chancellor, Afe Babalola, he said the university’s Senate had approved Okonkwo to deliver the lecture on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Alfa Belgore Multipurpose Hall on the ABUAD campus. The honorary degree conferment is scheduled for the finale the following day, Wednesday, October 21.
Okonkwo will be among three Nigerians to receive honorary degrees at the event. According to the Chancellor, the awards will be conferred on individuals who have imparted humanity.
In the letter, Afe Babalola cited Okonkwo’s track record as the basis for his selection, saying: “With your antecedents and pedigree, you are certainly the right person to be invited to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture.
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“Apart from what you will glean from our website, your acceptance of this offer will afford you the opportunity to see what we have done within 16 years to change the Dave of education in Nigeria by institutionalising quality and functional education and how you can partner with us on this noble and selfless journey.”
The university also highlighted its achievements noting that it has worked over the past 16 years to transform the education in Nigeria by championing quality learning.
Reacting to the invitation, Prof. Okonkwo said he is very humbled by the offer and expressed his admiration and respect for Afe Babalola and confirmed his attendance.
He said: “It is my absolute delight to accept both proposed designations: as Convocation Lecturer and as a Recipient of the University’s Honorary Degree.
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. Besides, I always cherish every opportunity to be recruited into the service of humanity.
