The management of Abia State University, Uturu, has officially started screening first-class graduates for the automatic employment scheme recently promised by Governor Alex Otti.
The screening exercise kicked off on Wednesday for eligible top-tier graduates who have already wrapped up their mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Speaking at the session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Roseline Ndimele, celebrated the exceptional academic milestones of the scholars.
The university clarified that while fully discharged ex-corpers are clear to submit their application papers now, those currently serving must return to complete the process after their service year.
ABSU Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, noted that the verification exercise directly complies with the governor’s executive directive, warning candidates to strictly follow guidelines to avoid documentation errors.
The massive empowerment initiative stems from Governor Otti’s sweeping announcement during the institution’s joint convocation ceremonies held earlier this year on March 27, 2026.
“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 explained.
Alongside the immediate job placements as Graduate Assistants, the governor also attached a significant academic incentive to help the selected scholars further their studies.
“Additionally, all First-Class graduates of the University across the three convocation sets shall be awarded postgraduate scholarships to any public university of their choice within the country up to doctorate degree level, subject to their acceptance of the teaching appointment that has already been offered,” the governor announced during the ceremonies.
Around 38 first-class graduates from various academic departments took part in this initial phase and are expected to receive their official employment letters shortly.