Governor Alex Otti has unveiled a sweeping package of incentives for top-performing graduates of Abia State University, offering automatic employment and fully funded postgraduate scholarships to first-class degree holders.
The announcement was made on Friday during the institution’s combined 30th to 32nd convocation ceremony, where the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to academic excellence and human capital development.
Under the new directive, all first-class graduates will be retained as graduate assistants within the university, subject to the completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.
The offer will also extend to outstanding students across departments with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.25.
Otti further disclosed that the beneficiaries would receive postgraduate scholarships up to the doctoral level in any public university of their choice within Nigeria, provided they accept the teaching appointments.
In a broader push to integrate top talent into the state workforce, the governor directed the Head of Service to identify vacancies that can absorb at least 100 exceptional graduates from the affected sets.
Priority fields include Education, Computer Science, Statistics, and Health-related disciplines.
Beyond academia and public service, Otti earmarked N200 million to support young entrepreneurs among the graduates.
He encouraged submissions of viable business proposals—particularly in agriculture, ICT, and clean energy—before the April 30, 2026 deadline.
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Highlighting individual excellence, the governor presented a personal cash award of N5 million to the overall best graduating student, Oluchi Etumsi.
The event also featured the recognition of prominent Nigerians, including Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Allen Onyema, and Stella Okoli, who received honorary awards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chancellor Catherine Uju-Ifejika commended the governor’s education-focused policies, describing them as a strategic investment in future leadership.
Pro-Chancellor Agwu U. Agwu also praised the interventions, noting their impact on the institution’s global competitiveness.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo highlighted improvements in staff welfare, including the clearance of salary arrears and timely payment of wages.
He added that several infrastructure projects are underway, including new hostels, road networks, solar-powered street lighting, and academic facilities.
As part of the day’s activities, Otti also flagged off the reconstruction of the university’s International Secondary School, further signaling sustained investment in the state’s education sector.