April 22, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, has been conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by Abia State University, in recognition of his enduring contributions to education, enterprise and national development.
The conferment, which marks Onyema’s fourth honorary doctorate, took place during the institution’s 32nd Convocation Ceremony, drawing a distinguished audience of academic leaders, policymakers and captains of industry.
The event underscored the university’s tradition of honouring individuals whose impact extends beyond their professional domains into societal transformation.
The university’s delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Agwu U. Agwu; and the Registrar, Dr Acho Elendu, alongside other senior officials of the institution.
Also in attendance were members of Air Peace’s management team, reflecting the strong institutional and corporate support for Onyema’s recognition.
In his acceptance remarks, Onyema reiterated his firm belief in the transformative power of education, describing it as the bedrock of national progress.
He emphasised that sustainable development cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in human capital.
“One thing is certain, I believe in education. Without education, the country is dead and whatever we must do to encourage education, the government alone cannot fund it. The private sector must be actively involved,” Onyema said.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for the nomination and support, noting that the honour reflects not only his personal journey but also his commitment to advancing development in Abia State and across Nigeria.
Onyema’s recognition adds to a growing list of honours that celebrate his philanthropic footprint and visionary leadership.
Beyond aviation, he has consistently championed initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians, supporting education, and fostering national unity through strategic interventions.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
