Aviation expert and philanthropist, Captain Evarest Nnaji (Odengene), has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to education, philanthropy, and community development.
The university bestowed the recognition during its 13th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 2025, celebrating Nnaji’s exceptional impact on education, philanthropy and community empowerment.
In a glowing citation, the institution praised Captain Nnaji’s “life of hard work, sacrifice, unwavering commitment to human development and support for academic excellence.” The university noted that he had “transformed destinies through benevolence, granting scholarships to hundreds of indigent students from secondary to university level and intervening in hospital bills of indigent patients across many hospitals.”
Beyond his humanitarian work, Captain Nnaji has deepened his involvement in the university’s growth. On October 13, 2025, he was appointed to the Board of the Godfrey Okoye University Teaching Hospital, following a recommendation by the Board of Trustees and approval by the institution’s proprietor, Bishop Callistus Onaga.
In his acceptance speech, Captain Nnaji described the honour as profoundly meaningful.
“I stand before you today with a heart overflowing with gratitude, humility, and pride,” he said. “Receiving this Honorary Doctorate Degree from such a prestigious institution as Godfrey Okoye University is one of the greatest honours of my life — not because of the title ‘Doctor’ but because of where it is coming from; G/O.”
He thanked the Vice Chancellor, Senate and Awards Committee for finding him deserving.
“Thank you for believing in me,” he said.
Nnaji also paid an emotional tribute to his family.
“Your love, prayers, encouragement, and sacrifices have kept me grounded and focused. This honour belongs to you as much as it belongs to me.”
Addressing students, he delivered a message of hope and discipline:
“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 described the award as a renewed call to public service.
“Greatness is not defined by titles, but by the lives we touch… This honour strengthens my resolve to keep contributing to society, to empower the younger generation, and to inspire progress.”
Explaining why he accepted this honorary degree after routinely declining others, Nnaji said his decision was rooted in trust and shared values.
“I needed to associate with people who have genuine intentions and that intention is what’s driving me to be part of them. I’m ready to continue to support the university because you can see that they’re doing great things. They’ve produced the best students in so many fields and that is what we need from South Eastern Nigeria.”
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Professor Christian Aneke, and the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr. Callistus Onaga, recounted Chief Nnaji’s consistent support for the university over the years.
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