The Abia State University, Uturu, through its management, has begun the screening of first-class graduates for automatic employment in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Alex Otti during the university’s 30th–32nd convocation ceremonies held on March 27, 2026.

The appointment, which is to retain 38 first-class graduates from different departments as Graduate Assistants upon completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme.

The screening, which commenced on Wednesday for eligible graduates who have completed the National Youth Service Corps in preparation for the issuance of their employment letters,
while those currently serving or yet to commence the programme should return upon completion of their service.

In the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. (Mrs.) Roseline Ndimele expressed delight at the outstanding academic achievements of the graduates and also noted that the university management is proud of its accomplishments and remains committed to supporting excellence and rewarding hard work.

Also speaking at the meeting is the Registrar, Dr Acho Elendu, who said that the meeting was convened in compliance with the directive of the Governor and Visitor to the university. He urged all prospective candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided to avoid errors or misinformation during the screening process.

“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 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.”

It was also gathered that the screening exercise will be concluded soon, and the graduates will soon receive their employment letters.