In a significant move to reward academic excellence, build quality human capital, and strengthen the state's education sector, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced automatic lecturing appointments and full postgraduate scholarships for all first-class graduates of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.
The announcement was made on Friday during activities marking the institution’s combined 30th to 34th convocation ceremony.
Under the new initiative, all first-class graduates from the three affected convocation sets will be offered automatic employment as Graduate Assistants at ABSU, subject to the successful completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Governor Otti directed the university management to immediately commence the process of retaining these outstanding graduates.
In addition, the Governor approved postgraduate scholarships up to doctoral (PhD) level for all qualifying first-class graduates. The scholarships will enable them to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes in any public university of their choice within Nigeria. The scholarships are contingent on the beneficiaries accepting the offered teaching positions at ABSU.
Governor Otti emphasised the importance of harnessing the talents of the state’s best graduates to elevate the quality of education and public service delivery in Abia.
Speaking at the event, he stated: “I am glad to announce that approval has been given to the university management to immediately commence the process of retaining all first-class graduates as graduate assistants… All first-class graduates from the three convocation sets will be retained as Graduate Assistants after completing NYSC.”
The initiative also extends recognition to the best graduating student in each department with a minimum CGPA of 4.25, who may benefit from related opportunities.
Complementing these academic and employment incentives, the Governor announced a ₦200 million business support fund for young entrepreneurs among the graduating students, aimed at fostering innovation, job creation, and economic empowerment.
Furthermore, the state’s Head of Service has been directed to identify suitable vacancies in the civil service to absorb up to 100 outstanding graduates after their NYSC, particularly in critical sectors.
This comprehensive package underscores Governor Otti’s administration’s commitment to investing in human capital development, promoting meritocracy, and positioning Abia State as a hub for academic excellence and youth empowerment.
Qualified graduates are advised to liaise with the ABSU management for further details on the implementation process.