Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced a comprehensive package of incentives for outstanding graduates of Abia State University (ABSU), including automatic employment for first-class graduates.
The incentives also include postgraduate scholarships for the outstanding graduates up to doctoral level and a N200 million entrepreneurship fund to 100 graduates with innovative business plans to scale up their businesses.
Governor Otti made the announcement on Friday during the 30th to 32nd combined convocation ceremony of the University, noting that the measures were part of deliberate efforts to reposition education as the cornerstone of the state’s long-term development strategy.
The Governor announced that all first-class graduates across the three convocations would be retained as graduate assistants, subject to the completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He added that the opportunity would also extend to the best graduating students in each department with a minimum CGPA of 4.25.
Governor Otti also revealed that first-class graduates from the institution would receive postgraduate scholarships in any public University of their choice within the country up to doctorate degree level.
According to him, 100 exceptional graduates would be absorbed into the State Civil Service to fill critical gaps, particularly in Education, ICT, Statistics and Health-related fields.
“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 and when I say all, I mean all the first-class graduates within the three convocations 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. Furthermore, the State Head of Service has been directed to identify immediate gaps in the civil service structure that we can fill with 100 exceptional graduates from the three sets.
“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”, the Governor further explained.
He revealed that the State has earmarked N200 million to support up to 100 graduates with viable business ideas, and stressed that proposals in Agriculture, ICT and clean energy would receive priority consideration.
“Graduates with bankable and scalable business ideas shall be required to send their proposals electronically to oggh@abiastate.gov.ng on or before the 30th day of April. Successful applicants would benefit from funding, training and mentorship”, he said.
Governor Otti announced a personal donation of ₦5 million to the overall best graduating student, Mrs Oluchi Etusim of the Department of Educational Planning, who graduated with an outstanding CGPA of 4.81.
The Governor commended her resilience as both a mother and a scholar, describing her achievement as a proof that nothing should hold anyone down and urged other students to remain focused and strive for excellence.
He urged the graduating students to remain resilient in the face of post-graduation challenges, including possible unemployment and career setbacks.
“It may be tough at first but whatever happens, stand firm in faith. Never give up. Never surrender to a fate you do not deserve”, he advised.
Governor Otti reminded them that a university education confers both privilege and responsibility, urging them to apply their knowledge and skills towards societal development.
In her address, the Chancellor of the University, Mrs Catherine Ifejika, commended Governor Otti for his support and transformative strides in the institution, noting that his commitment to educational excellence reflects a clear understanding that education shapes future leaders and preserves societal values.
The Pro-Chancellor, Dr Agwu U. Agwu, congratulated the graduands and honorary award recipients, describing their achievements as a testament to perseverance, excellence and the enduring value of knowledge.
He further observed that the Governor’s interventions have significantly advanced the University’s mandate of repositioning itself as a world-class institution and reaffirmed the commitment of the University management to build a dynamic and globally competitive system.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, lauded the Governor for prioritising workers’ welfare, particularly the clearance of salary arrears owed by previous administrations, pointing out that staff now receive their salaries promptly before the end of each month, a development he said has greatly boosted staff morale.
Prof Okeudo listed key ongoing projects under the Otti administration to include the construction of a new Faculty of Law, 5,000-capacity male and female hostels, internal road networks, solar-powered street lighting, and the provision of engineering equipment for the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic departments, among others.
The convocation recorded 10,255 graduands from three academic sessions, of whom 69 emerged with exceptional first-class distinctions across diverse disciplines.
Honorary degrees were conferred on distinguished Nigerians, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema; and the Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr Stella Chinyelu Okoli.
Governor Otti later laid the foundation for the reconstruction of the ABSU international Secondary School.
