Governor Alex Otti Unveils Massive ABSU Transformation, Offers Jobs, Scholarships, And ₦200m Empowerment Package To Graduates

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has unveiled a sweeping package of infrastructural development, academic incentives, and youth empowerment initiatives at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), during the institution’s 30th–32nd combined convocation ceremony held on Friday, March 27.
As part of activities marking the convocation, Governor Otti commissioned a 5MVA power station upgraded from 2.5MVA, three retrofitted hostels (A, B, and C), and flagged off multiple landmark projects including 5,000-bed capacity male and female hostels, Faculty buildings for Law and Agriculture, as well as a 1.8km internal road network.

Describing governance as a tool for solving problems, the Governor said the upgraded power facility represents a fulfilled promise, revealing plans for a dedicated 15-megawatt power line that will serve both the University and surrounding communities, with a long-term transition to renewable energy.
He emphasized the strategic consolidation of ABSU’s campuses in Uturu, noting that centralizing academic activities would enhance efficiency and development, except for the Teaching Hospital in Aba.

Governor Otti explained that the retrofitting of hostels was aimed at improving student welfare, enhancing the learning environment, and positioning the institution for academic excellence. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing projects and commended the University management for aligning with government directives.

In a major boost to academic excellence, Governor Otti announced automatic employment for all First-Class graduates as Graduate Assistants, subject to completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The offer also extends to best graduating students across departments with a minimum CGPA of 4.25.
Additionally, all First-Class graduates from the three convocation sets were awarded postgraduate scholarships up to PhD level in any public university of their choice within Nigeria.

To further absorb top talent into public service, the Governor directed the Head of Service to identify vacancies for the immediate employment of 100 outstanding graduates, particularly in critical sectors such as Education, Computer Science, Statistics, and Health Sciences.
In a bold move to stimulate entrepreneurship, Governor Otti earmarked ₦200 million to support up to 100 graduates with viable business ideas, especially in agriculture, ICT, and clean energy. Beneficiaries are to submit proposals electronically on or before April 30, 2026.
In recognition of exceptional academic performance, the Governor personally awarded ₦5 million to the overall best graduating student, Mrs. Oluchi Etumsi.


He also congratulated recipients of honorary degrees, including His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; Barr. Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace; and Dr. Stella Okoli, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, urging them to continue to inspire excellence.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning ABSU as a world-class institution, stressing that no society can rise above the quality of its investment in education.
The Governor further flagged off the reconstruction of the ABSU International Secondary School, expanding his administration’s footprint in the education sector.
In their separate remarks, the Chancellor, Barr. Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika; Pro-Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu; and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, commended the Governor for his transformative interventions, including clearing salary backlogs and ensuring prompt payment of staff salaries, which they said has significantly boosted staff morale.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted ongoing projects under the current administration, including new faculty buildings, hostels, internal roads, solar-powered streetlights, and modern engineering equipment.


The event attracted a large turnout of students, academics, traditional leaders, and government officials, with an enthusiastic crowd accompanying the Governor to commission completed projects and flag off new ones,underscoring widespread support for the administration’s bold vision for ABSU.

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