By Our Correspondent

National News – Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced automatic lecturing appointments and postgraduate scholarships for first-class graduates of Abia State University, Uturu.

Speaking at the university’s combined 30th to 32nd convocation ceremony on Friday, Otti said all first-class graduates would be retained as graduate assistants after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations.

He also approved scholarships up to the doctoral level for these exceptional graduates, subject to acceptance of the teaching offer.

The governor further stated that the opportunity would extend to top-performing students from all departments with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.25.

He instructed the state Head of Service to identify gaps in the civil service to accommodate 100 exceptional graduates, prioritizing fields such as Education, Computer Science, Statistics, Health, and Medical Sciences.

In addition, N200 million has been set aside to support innovative business proposals from graduates, particularly in agriculture, ICT, and clean energy, with submissions due by April 30, 2026.

During the convocation, Otti presented a personal cash gift of N5 million to the overall best graduating student, Oluchi Etumsi.

He also congratulated honorary award recipients including Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Allen Onyema, and Stella Okoli, emphasizing their responsibility to uphold the values of their recognition.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational development and flagged off the reconstruction of the Abia State University International Secondary School.

Chancellor Catherine Uju-Ifejika praised the governor for prioritizing education, while Pro-Chancellor Agwu U. Agwu highlighted how Otti’s interventions have enhanced the university’s global standing.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo applauded the governor for prompt salary payments and outlined ongoing projects, including a new Faculty of Law, 5,000-capacity hostels, road construction, solar-powered streetlights, and upgraded engineering facilities.

The convocation drew academics, vice-chancellors from other universities, and senior government officials.