United Nigeria Airlines' Okonkwo Advocates Skills Focus in Education

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, called for a significant overhaul of the academic system in Nigerian universities during the 14th Convocation Lecture at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday. His lecture, titled “Functional Education and the Nigerian Project: Strategic Human Capital Development for National Renewal,” stressed the importance of prioritizing practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship over mere certificate acquisition.

Okonkwo argued that education's relevance should be assessed by graduates' problem-solving abilities and contributions to economic growth. He advocated for a shift from content-based teaching to competency-driven learning, urging investments in technical education and infrastructure.

He highlighted United Nigeria Airlines' collaboration with ABUAD, where students in the Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering program gain hands-on experience through six months of industrial training at the airline's facility in Lagos. Okonkwo also called for stronger partnerships between universities, industries, and government to align academic programs with labor market needs.