September 29, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of Precision Aviation Handling Company Limited (PAHCOL), Engr. Samuel Oluwole, has observed that 40 years after the deregularisation of the aviation sector, flight delays and cancellations were still on the high side even after the liquidation of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways.
Engr Oluwole equally noted that 65 years after independence, Nigeria’s aviation sector had come, yet with more to do, especially in the area of domestic airline operators.
“Right now, we are not there yet, but we hope to be there”, Oluwole said.
He was speaking at the occasion of his conferment with a Doctor of Transport and Logistics Management (honoris causa) by Pebble Hills University, Delaware, in the United States of America (USA).
Oluwole was honoured for his significant contributions to the society, especially the nation’s aviation industry, where he had served for over four decades.
Other honorees were the Managing Director of MDS Logistics, Andre Bresler, Managing Director of A.B.I. Projects Concept Ltd, Ikechukwu Afakwu and the Managing Director, AOJ Global Concept Ltd, Adeniji Olumide.
The PAHCOL Chairman was presented with the honour on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, during the fourth Strategic Summit on Good Governance with the theme: ‘The Africa We Deserve: Leadership, Governance, and Collective Progress – The Case of Nigeria,’ held by Pebble Hills University.
Presenting him with the honour, on behalf of the Board of Pebble Hills University, Prof. Ezekiel Isidahomen said Oluwole and three others were recognised with the doctorate degrees in various fields following their great achievements and considering their wonderful performance as international business practitioners, motivators and human resource experts.
Isidahomen congratulated the honorees and challenged them to continue to keep the flag flying in their different endeavours.
According to him, the recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees had proven to the university that they were prominent leaders in their various fields and persons of integrity who had demonstrated superior expertise and commitment.
He said, “The awardees were selected by the university. The university conducted serious screening and background checks before coming up with only four individuals who deserve their doctorate degree.
“Once again, the Senate and University Congregation congratulate you for this laudable achievement.”
Isidahomen specifically said that Oluwole was deserving of the highest acclaim that the university could bestow on him as an individual.
In his remark, Oluwole expressed delight with the university for the recognition of his contributions to the aviation industry and leadership in Nigeria.
He described the recognition as a great and monumental moment, stressing that the recognition would inspire him to do more for society, especially in the aviation industry where he belongs.
He assured the university and the players in Nigeria’s aviation industry of consistency in always ensuring the continued growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
He added: “I thank God that one is able to achieve this and am thankful to my family. One has been able to attain a lot of things through the support of my family.”
Dr Oluwole attended the King’s College, Lagos, for his secondary school education and proceeded to the Loughborough University of Technology, England, for his Bachelor of Technology, Aeronautical Engineering & Design between 1972 and 1976.
He joined the Nigeria Airways in 1976 as a Project Development Engineer and was in that position till 1978.
After stepping down from Nigeria Airways, Oluwole established PAHCOL in 1996, and he remains the Chairman of the company to date
Oluwole is also an Associate Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society Associate; Member, Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) and a member of the Aeronautical Society of Nigeria, among others.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
