*Breaks ground for community projects in Ekiti
United Nigeria Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), to provide industry-based training for students of Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.
The Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said during the signing ceremony on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti that the agreement would create a structured pathway for ABUAD engineering students to gain practical experience through the airline’s Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Okonkwo explained that under the partnership, students would annually participate in hands-on, industry-driven training programmes in aviation maintenance and aerospace operations.
According to him, the programme would be fully funded by the airline at no cost to the university, as part of its commitment to human capacity development in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, commended the airline for partnering with the university to advance technical education and professional training.
She described the collaboration as a strategic investment in students’ exposure and professional development, expressing optimism that it would contribute immensely to the growth of indigenous aviation expertise.
Olarinde added that the partnership had the potential to produce professionals capable of assembling, manufacturing, piloting, and building aircraft locally in the near future. She also noted that the collaboration would serve as a model for effective university–industry partnerships in the country.
In his remarks, elder statesman and founder of ABUAD, Afe Babalola, said that education remained the bedrock of national development.
He appealed to relevant authorities to ensure access to quality education for all Nigerians and thanked United Nigeria Airlines for choosing the university and formalising the partnership.
Babola described the MoU as a significant contribution to manpower development in the aviation and engineering sectors.
BREAKS GROUND FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS
United Nigeria Airlines on Sunday laid the foundation for the construction of a community health centre and a solar-powered borehole at Aso-Ayegunle, Ado-Ekiti, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Chairman of the airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said during the foundation-laying ceremony that the projects were designed to address the health and water needs of residents living around the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
Okonkwo said the initiatives were selected after consultations with government officials to ensure that the interventions would have direct and lasting impact on the host community.
According to him, access to healthcare and potable water is critical to the health, happiness and productivity of the people.
He said construction of the projects would commence within a week, assuring that they would be completed on time for the benefit of the community.
“We do not just do business; we partner for development and impact society.
“This is part of our corporate social responsibility, and we are happy to be part of the Ekiti community,” he said.
He explained that although the government suggested either a community health centre or a solar-powered borehole, the airline decided to execute both projects to maximise impact.
Okonkwo also commended the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for selecting the Airlines as the state’s carrier, noting that the CSR gesture was inspired by the partnership.
He urged other corporate organisations to embrace social responsibility initiatives, stressing the importance of giving back to society.
In his remarks, Gov. Oyebanji commended the airline for the gesture, describing it as a product of effective collaboration between government and a responsible corporate organisation.
The governor was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez,
Oyebanji said that the projects would significantly improve the quality of life of residents in the area.
The governor said access to clean water and healthcare remained essential to community wellbeing.
He assured that the host community would protect and properly utilise the facilities upon completion.
Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport began commercial operations on Dec. 10, 2025, with United Nigeria Airlines operating the inaugural flight from Abuja.
