NEWS
ABSU Begins Screening of First-Class Graduates for Automatic Employment as Gov. Alex Otti Fulfils Convocation Promise
The management of Abia State University (ABSU) has commenced the screening of eligible First-Class graduates for automatic employment as Graduate Assistants, in fulfilment of the directive of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
The screening exercise, held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, marks another significant step in the implementation of the Governor’s commitment to rewarding academic excellence and strengthening the quality of teaching and research within the institution.
The exercise is specifically for First-Class graduates from the University’s 30th to 32nd Convocation Ceremony who have successfully completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), paving the way for the processing and issuance of their employment letters.
Speaking during the screening exercise, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor (Mrs.) Roseline Ndimele, expressed immense satisfaction with the exceptional academic performance of the graduates.
She described their achievements as a source of pride to the University, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to recognising excellence and encouraging hard work through meaningful opportunities.
Professor Ndimele further explained that only graduates who have completed their National Youth Service Corps programme are currently eligible to submit their application documents. She added that those who are still undergoing the NYSC scheme or are yet to commence their service should return after completing the programme to continue the employment process.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the University, Dr. Acho Elendu, disclosed that the screening exercise was convened in strict compliance with the directive of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
He advised all prospective candidates to carefully follow the stipulated guidelines throughout the screening process in order to avoid errors, omissions, or misinformation that could delay the processing of their appointments.
The ongoing exercise is a direct fulfilment of the landmark announcement made by Governor Alex Otti during the University’s combined 30th–32nd Convocation Ceremony held on March 27, 2026, at the retrofitted University Pavilion.
During the ceremony, the Governor declared that every First-Class graduate from the three convocation sets would automatically be retained as Graduate Assistants upon successful completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme.
Announcing the historic policy, Governor Otti said:
“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, and when I say all, I mean all the First-Class graduates within the three convocation sets as Graduate Assistants, subject to the completion of their National Youth Service. This privilege shall also be extended to the best graduating students across the departments, so long as the cumulative average is up to 4.25.”
The Governor further expanded the scope of support for outstanding graduates by announcing that all First-Class graduates across the three convocation sets would also benefit from postgraduate scholarships.
According to the directive, beneficiaries will be sponsored to pursue postgraduate studies up to doctorate degree level in any public university of their choice within Nigeria, provided they accept the teaching appointments offered by the University.
The initiative has been widely regarded as a bold investment in human capital development and a strategic effort to retain exceptional talents within the state’s higher education system while encouraging academic excellence among students.
About thirty-eight (38) First-Class graduates drawn from various departments of the University participated in the screening exercise. Upon completion of the process, they are expected to receive their employment letters and resume duties as Graduate Assistants, bringing to fruition the promise made by the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the Unive
rsity, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR.