Causa Honoris: Odengene Finally Accepts GO-UNI Doctorate Honours
Godfrey Okoye University Honours Capt. Evarest Nnaji After Years of Declining Similar Awards
Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, has conferred an honorary doctorate degree on aviation expert and philanthropist, Captain Evarest Nnaji (popularly known as Odengene), recognising his longstanding contributions to education, philanthropy and community development.
The award was presented during the institution’s 13th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 2025, marking a rare acceptance by Nnaji, who for years had declined similar honours from other institutions.
In its citation, the university described Captain Nnaji as a man whose “life of hard work, sacrifice, unwavering commitment to human development and support for academic excellence” has left an indelible impact. It noted that he has “transformed destinies through benevolence, granting scholarships to hundreds of indigent students from secondary to university level and offsetting hospital bills for vulnerable patients across many healthcare facilities.”
The honour comes only weeks after Nnaji’s appointment, on October 13, 2025, to the Board of the Godfrey Okoye University Teaching Hospital—an elevation approved by the institution’s proprietor, Bishop Callistus Onaga, following a recommendation by the Board of Trustees.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional Nnaji described the recognition as deeply meaningful.
“I stand before you today with a heart overflowing with gratitude, humility and pride,” he said. “Receiving this honorary doctorate from such a prestigious institution as Godfrey Okoye University is one of the greatest honours of my life—not because of the title, but because of where it is coming from.”
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor, the Senate and the Awards Committee for deeming him worthy of the honour, saying, “Thank you for believing in me.”
Nnaji also dedicated the moment to his family, acknowledging their unwavering support.
“Your love, prayers, encouragement and sacrifices have kept me grounded and focused. This honour belongs to you as much as it belongs to me,” he said.
Addressing students, he urged them to embrace discipline, curiosity and hard work.
“Believe in your dreams, stay disciplined, stay curious and never underestimate the power of hard work… With determination, faith and consistency, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Nnaji added that the award served as a renewed call to public service, reminding the audience that “greatness is not defined by titles, but by the lives we touch.”
Explaining his decision to accept this particular honorary degree after routinely rejecting others, he said trust and shared values were pivotal.
“I needed to associate with people who have genuine intentions, and that intention is what’s driving me to be part of them,” he said. “I’m ready to continue supporting the university because you can see they’re doing great things. They’ve produced outstanding students in many fields, and that is what we need from South Eastern Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke, and the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr Callistus Onaga, commended Nnaji for his consistent support and investment in the university’s growth over the years.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
