The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has honoured Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, with a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) at its 9th Convocation Ceremony. This prestigious recognition celebrates his transformative impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector, commitment to national unity, and remarkable humanitarian contributions.
The grand ceremony brought together distinguished personalities from academia, government, and the private sector to recognise Onyema’s visionary leadership, business excellence, and philanthropic endeavours. His honorary doctorate is a tribute to his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding efforts.
Onyema’s influence in Nigeria’s aviation sector is undeniable. As the founder of Air Peace, the country’s leading airline and the largest carrier in West Africa, he has revolutionised air travel, bridging connectivity gaps, creating employment, and making air travel more accessible to Nigerians.
Beyond business, his humanitarian spirit has set him apart. In 2019, during the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Onyema displayed extraordinary patriotism by deploying Air Peace aircraft to evacuate stranded Nigerians—at no cost. This selfless act earned him both national and international recognition.
Through his Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), Onyema has been a key figure in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, equipping thousands of youths with leadership and non-violence training to foster national unity.
The honorary doctorate conferred on Onyema is a testament to his unwavering dedication to societal progress. FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, praised him for his philanthropic efforts, contributions to aviation, and commitment to nation-building.
In his acceptance speech, Onyema expressed gratitude to FUOYE, reaffirming his belief in Nigeria’s vast potential. He urged students to embrace hard work, integrity, and service, emphasising that education and entrepreneurship are key to national transformation. He further called on the private sector to support education through investments, scholarships, and donations to drive innovation and academic excellence.
Onyema’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and impact. His honorary doctorate from FUOYE is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of his efforts to uplift Nigeria through business, philanthropy, and leadership.
As Nigeria continues on its path toward economic and social progress, Onyema’s legacy serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that true success is not just about financial gain but the ability to uplift others and foster national development.
