Governor Alex Otti has approved automatic lecturing appointments and postgraduate scholarships for all first-class graduates of Abia State University.
The announcement was made during the institution’s combined 30th to 32nd convocation ceremony, where the governor directed the university management to retain qualified first-class graduates as graduate assistants after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps.
“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, subject to the completion of their National Youth Service,” he said.
He added that the opportunity would also extend to top-performing students across departments.
“This privilege shall also be extended to the best graduating students across departments, provided their cumulative grade point average is at least 4.25.”
Governor Otti further disclosed that all first-class graduates would receive postgraduate scholarships to any public university in Nigeria up to doctorate level, subject to accepting the teaching role.
“Additionally, all first-class graduates across the three convocations shall be awarded postgraduate scholarships to any public university of their choice within the country up to doctorate level, subject to the acceptance of the teaching offer,” he stated.
Beyond academic incentives, the governor directed the state’s Head of Service to identify vacancies that can absorb up to 100 outstanding graduates into the civil service after their NYSC, particularly in key sectors.
He also revealed that ₦200 million has been set aside to support 100 graduates with innovative business ideas in areas such as agriculture, ICT, and clean energy, with submissions open until April 30, 2026.
At the event, the governor presented a ₦5 million cash reward to the overall best graduating student, Oluchi Etumsi, and congratulated honorary award recipients including Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Allen Onyema, and Stella Okoli.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a key driver of development in the state.
