Aviation expert and philanthropist, Captain Evarest Nnaji (popularly known as Odengene), has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, philanthropy, and community development.
The honour was conferred during the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 2025, where Nnaji was celebrated for his longstanding commitment to human development and social upliftment.
In its citation, the institution commended Nnaji’s life of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to academic excellence. It highlighted his far-reaching humanitarian interventions, including funding scholarships for hundreds of indigent students from secondary to tertiary levels, as well as paying medical bills for underprivileged patients across multiple hospitals.
Captain Nnaji’s relationship with the university goes beyond philanthropy. On October 13, 2025, he was appointed to the Board of the Godfrey Okoye University Teaching Hospital, following a recommendation from the Board of Trustees and approval by the university’s proprietor, Bishop Callistus Onaga.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional Nnaji described the recognition as deeply significant.
“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 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 expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Senate, and Awards Committee for deeming him worthy, and extended heartfelt gratitude to his family for their unwavering support, saying the honour belonged to them as much as to him.
Addressing the graduating students, he urged them to stay focused and committed to their aspirations.
“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 told them.
Nnaji described the award as a renewed call to serve and touch more lives.
“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 particular honorary degree after declining similar honours for years, Nnaji said his decision was driven by trust in the institution’s sincerity and 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 they’re doing great things. They’ve produced the best students in many fields, and that is what we need in South Eastern Nigeria.”
Earlier in the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Aneke, and the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr. Callistus Onaga, praised Nnaji’s unwavering support and consistent contributions to the growth of the university over the years.
