United Nigeria Airlines chairman urges universities to embed entrepreneurship across all courses

Prof Obiora Okonkwo, the chairman of United Nigeria Airlines and a professor of entrepreneurship, used Veritas University’s 15th convocation ceremony in Abuja to press for a fundamental shift in higher‑education curricula. Speaking to graduates, university officials and dignitaries on 8 November 2026, Okonkwo argued that Nigerian universities should prioritize entrepreneurship and practical skills so that graduates become job creators rather than relying solely on paid employment.

Okonkwo’s remarks were directed at all academic departments, including medicine, law, engineering and the sciences. He contended that entrepreneurship should not be a peripheral elective but a core component of every programme, enabling students to apply entrepreneurial thinking to their specific fields – for example, medical students considering private practice or law graduates recognising business opportunities within legal services.

He also urged researchers to assess the commercial viability of their innovations, suggesting that projects with investor appeal could help universities translate discoveries into marketable solutions. Drawing on his own experience of founding a business while still a student, Okonkwo said he had never been employed after graduation, reinforcing his belief that entrepreneurial training must begin early in academic journeys.

Background

The call came during Veritas University’s convocation, an event attended by the university’s vice‑chancellor Prof Hyacinth Ichoku, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference visitor His Grace Most Rev. Dr Matthew Ndagos, and other notable figures such as Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Pro‑Chancellor Prof Augustine Echema. In a statement released on the same day, Okonkwo highlighted that the current higher‑education system in Nigeria tends to focus on issuing certificates rather than equipping students with the knowledge, skills, moral values and sense of responsibility needed for self‑reliance and national development.

Both Punch and Sun News reported the same speech, noting that Okonkwo’s advocacy aligns with his broader view that the quality of education should be measured by outcomes beyond graduate numbers. He emphasized that entrepreneurship education should be integrated across all faculties, not treated as an optional bypass discipline.

Why it matters

Okonkwo’s appeal targets several stakeholder groups. For students, the proposal promises a curriculum that blends theoretical learning with practical business acumen, potentially improving employability and fostering self‑employment. Universities face pressure to redesign programmes to include entrepreneurship as a core subject, which could entail new faculty training, curriculum development and partnerships with industry.

For the wider economy, the shift aims to address Nigeria’s high youth unemployment by creating a pipeline of graduates capable of launching enterprises and generating jobs. Okonkwo also highlighted the role of research commercialization, suggesting that university‑driven innovations could attract investment and contribute to economic diversification.

What happens next

Okonkwo did not outline a specific implementation timetable, but his remarks imply that university governing councils and the National Universities Commission may need to review accreditation standards to incorporate entrepreneurship as a mandatory component. The university’s leadership, represented at the convocation, may consider forming committees to explore curriculum integration across departments.

While both news outlets reported the same core message, neither provided details on immediate policy changes or funding mechanisms. The conversation is likely to continue in academic forums and government consultations as stakeholders assess how to operationalise Okonkwo’s recommendations.