The management of Abia State University, Uturu, has begun screening first-class graduates selected for the automatic employment programme approved by Governor Alex Otti during the institution’s 30th to 32nd combined convocation ceremonies held on March 27, 2026.
The Punch reported that tje exercise, which commenced on Wednesday, is targeted at qualified graduates who have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme ahead of the issuance of employment letters.
Addressing the prospective beneficiaries, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, expressed satisfaction with their academic accomplishments.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. (Mrs.) Roseline Ndimele, Okeudo said the university was proud of the graduates’ achievements and remained committed to recognising excellence and rewarding diligence.
He explained that only graduates who have successfully completed the NYSC programme are currently eligible to submit their application documents, while those still undergoing service or yet to begin should return after completing the scheme.
Also speaking, the Registrar, Dr Acho Elendu, said the screening exercise was being conducted in line with the directive of Governor Otti, who is the Visitor to the university.
Elendu advised applicants to strictly comply with the guidelines issued for the exercise to avoid mistakes and misinformation during the screening process.
Governor Otti had announced the employment initiative during the university’s 30th–32nd convocation ceremonies, where he directed that all first-class graduates from the three convocation sets be retained as Graduate Assistants after completing their NYSC programme.
He said, “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.
“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 further announced among other directives during the Convocation Ceremony”.
Findings indicated that about 38 first-class graduates drawn from various departments participated in the screening exercise and are expected to receive their appointment letters soon, fulfilling the governor’s promise to the outstanding graduates.
