NEWS
HISTORIC EDUCATION BOOST: GOV. ALEX OTTI OFFERS AUTOMATIC LECTURING JOBS, DOCTORATE SCHOLARSHIPS, ₦200M STARTUP SUPPORT TO ABSU FIRST-CLASS GRADUATES AT 30TH–32ND COMBINED CONVOCATION CEREMONY
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has offered automatic lecturing jobs to all the First Class graduands of the combined convocation ceremony of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), as Graduate Assistants.
Governor Otti announced the cheering news at ABSU, on Friday, March 27th, 2026, during the 30th–32nd combined convocation ceremony of the institution, drawing widespread applause from graduands, parents, and the academic community.
The Governor also awarded postgraduate scholarships up to doctorate degree level to all the First Class Graduands.
“I am glad to announce that approval has been given to the University Management to immediately commence the process of retaining all the First-Class graduates 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 entire department so long as the cumulative grade point average is up to 4.25.
“Additionally, all first-class graduates of the University across the three convocations shall be awarded postgraduate scholarships to any public university of their choice within the country up to doctorate degree level.
“Of course, you know that this is subject to the acceptance of the teaching offer that we have already made,“ Governor Otti said.
In a further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the public workforce, the Governor equally directed the State Head of Service to identify immediate gaps in the civil service structure that could be filled with 100 exceptional graduates drawn from the three graduating sets.
Governor Otti emphasised that, “special consideration shall be given to graduates with degrees in Education, Computer Sciences, Statistics, Health and Medical Sciences and other areas of critical need.
“Again, this shall be subject to the completion of the NYSC programme,“ he stated.
Beyond employment and academic advancement, the Governor unveiled a bold entrepreneurship initiative, revealing that he has earmarked ₦200million to support up to 100 graduates with innovative business plans and enterprise initiatives to start and scale their businesses.
The State Chief Executive specified that the proposals should prioritise ideas around agriculture, ICT and clean energy products and in other relevant enterprise front lines and should be submitted electronically to a dedicated email address oggh@abiastate.gov.ng on or before April 30th, 2026.
In a touching moment of personal recognition, the Governor, who congratulated all the graduands on their successes, announced a cash gift of ₦5 million to Mrs. Oluchi Etumsi, the overall best graduating student, in honour of her outstanding academic excellence.
Gov. Otti also congratulated distinguished honourees including the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Barr. Dr Allen Onyema, and Dr Stella Okoli, urging them to carry the torch of recognition with pride and continue to inspire future generations.
Reaffirming his administration’s educational vision, the Governor noted that no society can develop beyond the limits of its investments in learning, assuring that deliberate efforts would be made to elevate ABSU to compete with leading institutions globally.
He stated that such investments are essential “because for us, there is no better social legacy than a University that awakens the spirit of enquiry in the minds of men, women, old, and young.“
As part of ongoing infrastructure renewal, the Governor later flagged off the proposed reconstruction of the Abia State University International Secondary School, signaling continued transformation within the institution.
Early In her address, the Chancellor of the University, Barr. Mrs. Catherine Uju-Ifejika, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otti for his unwavering support and impactful developmental strides in the University.
She noted that the Governor’s commitment to educational excellence stems from a clear understanding that education shapes future leaders and preserves societal values.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, while congratulating the graduands and honorary degree recipients, described their academic achievements as a testament to perseverance, excellence, and the enduring value of knowledge.
He further remarked that the Governor’s interventions have significantly advanced the institution’s goal of repositioning itself as a world-class university within the global academic community.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, commended Governor Otti for prioritising workers’ welfare, particularly for clearing salary backlogs owed by previous administrations. He noted that staff now receive their salaries promptly before the end of each month, a development that has greatly boosted morale across the institution.
Prof. Okeudo also highlighted several ongoing capital projects under the present administration, including the construction of a new Faculty of Law, 5,000-capacity male and female hostels, internal road networks, installation of solar-powered street lights, and the provision of modern engineering equipment for various departments.
The convocation ceremony attracted Vice Chancellors of sister universities, members of the academic community, and top government functionaries, marking a significant milestone in the history of ABSU and reinforcing Abia State’s renewed commitment to
educational excellence and youth empowerment.