Abia State 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 all qualified first-class graduates as graduate assistants after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
According to Otti, the gesture is part of efforts to reward academic excellence and strengthen the state’s education sector.
“Approval has been given to immediately commence the process of retaining all first-class graduates as graduate assistants, subject to the completion of their National Youth Service,” he stated.
He added that the opportunity would also be extended to the best graduating students across departments, provided they attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.25.
In addition, the governor announced that all first-class graduates from the three convocations would receive postgraduate scholarships to any public university of their choice in Nigeria, up to the doctorate level, on the condition that they accept the teaching appointments.
Otti further directed the Head of Service to identify vacancies within the civil service to absorb up to 100 outstanding graduates, particularly in critical fields such as Education, Computer Science, Statistics, and Health-related disciplines after completing their NYSC.
As part of broader youth empowerment efforts, the governor revealed that ₦200 million has been set aside to support up to 100 graduates with innovative business ideas, especially in agriculture, ICT, and clean energy. Interested applicants are expected to submit their proposals on or before April 30, 2026.
At the ceremony, the governor also presented a personal cash reward of ₦5 million to the overall best graduating student, Oluchi Etumsi.
He congratulated honorary award recipients, including Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Allen Onyema, and Stella Okoli, urging them to uphold the values associated with their recognition.
Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving education, stressing that sustained investment in the sector remains critical to long-term development.
The initiative has been widely praised as a strategic move to encourage academic excellence and create opportunities for young graduates in Abia State.