Obiora Okonkwo urges education reform to drive Nigeria’s development

Obiora Okonkwo, executive chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, called for fundamental reform of Nigeria’s education system at Afe Babalola University’s 14th convocation lecture on October 20, 2026. He advocated competency-based education that builds entrepreneurship, digital literacy and ethical leadership to meet the needs of an economy shaped by emerging technologies and address graduate unemployment and skills mismatches. He also urged the revitalisation of technical and vocational education, investment in modern facilities, and stronger partnerships between universities, industry and government. Okonkwo said Nigeria’s people, supported by research and innovation, are its greatest resource.