Otti offers jobs, scholarships to ABSU first class graduates, unveils ₦200m fund
Governor Alex Otti has announced automatic lecturing appointments and postgraduate scholarships for all First Class graduates of Abia State University (ABSU), alongside a ₦200 million business support fund for young entrepreneurs.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during the institution’s combined 30th–32nd convocation ceremony held in Uturu.
Under the initiative, all First Class graduands will be offered employment as graduate assistants, subject to the completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The offer also extends to the best graduating students across departments with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.25.
“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,” Otti said.
He further disclosed that beneficiaries would receive postgraduate scholarships up to the doctoral level in any public university of their choice within Nigeria, on the condition that they accept the teaching positions.
In addition, the governor directed the State Head of Service to identify vacancies for the absorption of 100 outstanding graduates into the civil service, with priority given to disciplines such as education, computer science, statistics, and health-related fields.
To support youth entrepreneurship, Otti earmarked ₦200 million for up to 100 graduates with viable business ideas, particularly in agriculture, ICT, and clean energy. He said applications must be submitted electronically on or before April 30, 2026.
In a personal gesture, the governor awarded ₦5 million to the overall best graduating student, Mrs Oluchi Etumsi. He also congratulated honorary award recipients, including Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Allen Onyema, and Stella Okoli.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, stating that efforts were ongoing to reposition ABSU to compete globally, while emphasising that investment in learning remains key to societal development.
