In a significant address at the 14th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, urged Nigerian universities to shift their focus from certificate-driven education to the production of skilled, innovative, and ethical graduates capable of driving industrialisation, creating jobs, and accelerating national development. This call was made on Tuesday, October 22, 2026. According to reports from Tribune Online, Okonkwo emphasized the need for universities and polytechnics to move beyond the traditional educational system, which often produces graduates who are certified but lack practical skills and a strong ethical foundation. This call for change comes as Nigeria grapples with high unemployment rates and a growing need for skilled professionals in various sectors. Okonkwo’s address at Afe Babalola University is part of a broader conversation about the role of higher education in Nigeria’s development, a conversation that has gained momentum in recent years. The need for Nigerian universities to adapt to the changing needs of the job market and produce graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth and development is increasingly recognized as crucial. Okonkwo’s call to action underscores the urgent need for this change and serves as a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s economy may depend on the willingness of its educational institutions to evolve and adapt.
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