Alex Otti has made a bold move to reward academic excellence by offering automatic lecturing appointments to all first-class graduates of Abia State University.
The announcement was made during the university’s combined 30th–32nd convocation ceremony. Where the governor directed the institution to retain all first-class graduates as graduate assistants—pending completion of their NYSC.
This decision is seen as a major step toward reducing graduate unemployment while strengthening the university’s academic workforce.
Scholarships Up to PhD Level Also Approved
Beyond job offers, the governor also approved full postgraduate scholarships for all first-class graduates.
According to Alo360 news, These scholarships will cover studies from Master’s degree up to PhD level in any public university in Nigeria—provided the graduates accept the teaching roles.
He also extended the opportunity to top-performing students across departments. With a CGPA of at least 4.25, further widening the scope of beneficiaries.
Boosting Education and Workforce Development
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Abia State government to revamp the education sector and invest in human capital.
In addition to the teaching appointments, the governor revealed plans to absorb about 100 exceptional graduates into the state civil service to fill critical roles in areas like education, ICT, and health.
Recent efforts, including staff recruitment and infrastructure upgrades in the university. Also show a consistent push to improve the institution’s capacity and standards.
This move doesn’t just reward brilliance—it creates a direct pathway from academic excellence to career stability. Setting a new precedent for how states can invest in their brightest minds.
