Abia State University, Uturu, has commenced screening of first class graduates from its 30th to 32nd convocation sets for automatic employment as Graduate Assistants, following a directive issued by Governor Alex Otti at the institution's convocation ceremonies in March.

The screening exercise, which began last Wednesday, is open to eligible graduates who have completed the National Youth Service Corps programme. Employment letters are expected to be issued upon conclusion of the process, with 38 first class graduates from various departments participating in the current exercise.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, represented at the screening meeting by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Roseline Ndimele, expressed satisfaction with the graduates' academic achievements, noting that the university management remained committed to rewarding excellence.

Okeudo clarified that graduates who have completed their NYSC are eligible to submit application documents immediately, while those currently serving or yet to commence the programme are required to return upon completion.

The Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, disclosed that the meeting was convened in direct compliance with the governor's directive and urged all prospective candidates to follow the screening guidelines strictly to avoid errors during the process.

Quoting the governor, Elendu stated: "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 within the three convocation sets as Graduate Assistants, subject to the completion of their National Youth Service."

Beyond the Graduate Assistant appointments, Governor Otti also announced that the privilege of automatic employment would be extended to the best graduating students across departments, provided their cumulative average is at least 4.25.

In addition, all first class graduates across the three convocation sets are to receive postgraduate scholarships to any public university of their choice within Nigeria, up to doctorate level, subject to their acceptance of the teaching appointment.

Governor Otti, who also serves as visitor to the institution, made the original announcement during the 30th to 32nd convocation ceremonies, positioning the initiative as part of broader efforts to reward academic merit and retain top talent within the public university system.