Governor Alex Otti has announced automatic lecturing appointments and postgraduate scholarships for all First Class graduates of Abia State University (ABSU), alongside a ₦200 million business support fund for young entrepreneurs.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during the institution’s combined 30th–32nd convocation ceremony held at Uturu.
Under the initiative, all First Class graduands will be offered employment as graduate assistants, subject to the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The offer also extends to the best graduating students across departments with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.25.
“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,” Otti stated.
He further revealed that all First Class graduates from the three convocations would receive postgraduate scholarships up to the doctoral level in any public university of their choice within Nigeria, provided they accept the teaching positions.
In addition, the governor directed the State Head of Service to identify vacancies in the civil service for the absorption of 100 outstanding graduates, with priority given to fields such as education, computer science, statistics, and health-related disciplines.
To promote youth entrepreneurship, Otti earmarked ₦200 million to support up to 100 graduates with viable business ideas, particularly in agriculture, ICT, and clean energy. Interested applicants are expected to submit their proposals electronically on or before April 30, 2026.
In a personal gesture, the governor awarded ₦5 million to the overall best graduating student, Mrs Oluchi Etumsi.
He also congratulated honorary award recipients, including Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Allen Onyema, and Stella Okoli, urging them to continue upholding excellence and service.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, Otti stated that efforts are ongoing to reposition ABSU to compete with leading universities globally, stressing that investment in education remains vital for societal development.
The governor also flagged off the reconstruction of the ABSU International Secondary School and inaugurated a 5-megawatt power substation built to address long-standing electricity challenges within the institution.
In separate remarks, Chancellor Mrs Catherine Uju-Ifejika, Pro-Chancellor Rt Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, and Vice-Chancellor Ndukwe Okeudo commended the governor for his continued support, highlighting improved staff welfare, prompt salary payments, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Meanwhile, a total of 69 graduands earned First Class honours across the three sets, while 3,973 and 4,764 graduated with second class upper and lower divisions respectively. A total of 195 students earned third-class honours, while only one graduand recorded a pass, out of the 10,255 graduates, including 690 postgraduates.
What you should know
The initiative by Alex Otti represents a significant investment in education, youth development, and job creation in Abia State.
By offering automatic employment and fully funded postgraduate scholarships, the government aims to retain top academic talent and strengthen the education sector. The ₦200 million entrepreneurship fund further supports innovation and self-employment among graduates.
Combined with infrastructure upgrades at Abia State University, the policy signals a broader strategy to enhance academic excellence, reduce unemployment, and position the institution as a competitive center for higher learning in Nigeria.
