Otti Rolls Out Comprehensive Incentive Package for ABSU Graduates, Announces Jobs, PhD Scholarships, ₦200m Enterprise Fund

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has unveiled an expansive and forward-looking incentive framework targeted at exceptional graduates of Abia State University (ABSU), encompassing automatic employment opportunities, fully funded postgraduate scholarships up to doctoral level, and a ₦200 million entrepreneurship intervention fund.

The Governor made this landmark announcement on Friday during the 30th to 32nd combined convocation ceremony of the institution, underscoring his administration’s strategic commitment to repositioning education as the fulcrum of long-term socio-economic transformation in Abia State.

In a bold move aimed at rewarding academic excellence, Governor Otti declared that all first-class graduates across the three academic sessions would be absorbed as Graduate Assistants upon completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He further extended this privilege to the best graduating students in each department, provided they attained a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.25.

Beyond immediate employment, the Governor announced that all first-class graduates would benefit from fully sponsored postgraduate scholarships to any public university of their choice within Nigeria, up to the doctoral level. He described the initiative as a deliberate investment in human capital development and intellectual advancement.

Additionally, Governor Otti directed the State Head of Service to identify critical vacancies within the civil service structure for the absorption of 100 outstanding graduates. He noted that priority would be accorded to disciplines of strategic importance, including Education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Statistics, and Health and Medical Sciences, subject to the completion of NYSC.

In a bid to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurial growth, the Governor disclosed that the state has earmarked ₦200 million to support up to 100 graduates with bankable and scalable business ideas. He emphasized that proposals in key sectors such as Agriculture, ICT, and clean energy would receive preferential consideration. Beneficiaries, he added, would also receive structured training and mentorship to ensure sustainability and impact.

Demonstrating personal appreciation for academic distinction, Governor Otti announced a 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. He commended her resilience and intellectual rigor, describing her achievement as a compelling testament to determination and excellence.

The Governor further charged the graduating students to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of post-graduation uncertainties, urging them not to succumb to discouragement. He reminded them that higher education confers both privilege and responsibility, calling on them to deploy their knowledge and skills in service of societal progress.

In her address, the Chancellor of the University, Mrs. Catherine Ifejika, lauded Governor Otti’s transformative interventions in the institution, noting that his unwavering commitment to educational advancement reflects a deep understanding of its role in shaping future leaders and preserving societal values.

Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, commended the administration’s reform-driven approach, stating that it has significantly enhanced the university’s trajectory towards global competitiveness and academic excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, also applauded the Governor for prioritising staff welfare, particularly the clearance of salary arrears and the institution of prompt salary payments, which he said has markedly improved staff morale and productivity. He highlighted several ongoing infrastructural projects, including new faculty buildings, student hostels, internal road networks, solar-powered street lighting, and upgraded engineering facilities.

A total of 10,255 graduands were conferred degrees during the combined convocation, with 69 emerging with first-class honours. The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished Nigerians, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema; and the Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli.

The event culminated in the laying of the foundation for the reconstruction of the ABSU International Secondary School by Governor Otti, further reinforcing his administration’s enduring commitment to educational development and institutional revitalisation.