Otti ‌‌⁠‌⁠‌‌lifts employment ban, recruits 19 TechRise graduates in Abia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially lifted the ban on civil service recruitment and announced the employment of 19 graduates from the state's TechRise Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme. The announcement came during the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of the initiative, held in Umuahia on Friday. A total of 850 youths successfully completed a three-month intensive training in ICT, marking a significant step in the state's efforts to equip young people with digital skills. Otti stated that the decision to lift the employment ban was part of his administration's broader strategy to retain top talent generated by the TechRise programme and integrate these individuals into public service roles. He directed the Head of Service to immediately and automatically recruit the 19 selected graduates, emphasizing that this action would continue the existing policy of employing skilled personnel. The governor highlighted the importance of leveraging the expertise of these graduates to enhance the efficiency and quality of public services. In addition to recruitment, Otti instructed the Head of Service to collaborate with the Chief Information Officer and other relevant authorities to assess ICT-related skill gaps within government ministries and agencies. These assessments would help identify positions suitable for TechRise graduates. The governor also proposed the creation of a dedicated salary scale for ICT professionals within the civil service, contingent upon meeting specific qualifications. Each of the 850 graduates received a laptop as part of their training materials, which were transferred to them as personal property to aid in their ongoing education and professional growth. Furthermore, Otti announced a financial gift of N100,000 per graduate, encouraging them to utilize their newfound skills to launch businesses, develop innovative solutions, and generate employment opportunities. Otti noted that the recent graduation marked another milestone in the state government's commitment to preparing youth for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge responsibly and avoid using their technical abilities for illicit activities. The governor praised several graduates for developing a working drone and ordered the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to assist the team in transforming their invention into a commercially viable product. Plans are underway to establish internationally recognized ICT examination and certification centers within Abia, allowing residents to attain necessary credentials for career progression without leaving the state. This initiative aims to strengthen the local workforce and promote economic development through technological advancement. Uzor Nwachukwu, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, confirmed that 2,210 youths have completed the TechRise programme since its inception. He emphasized that these graduates represent the future of Abia's digital transformation and are essential to the state's long-term development goals. Chibueze Ukaegbu, coordinator of TechRise and CEO of LearnFactory, revealed that over 2,500 civil servants have already undergone computer skills training, with plans to expand this number to 5,000. Ukaegbu also outlined intentions to introduce coding programs for primary and secondary school students throughout the state, aiming to cultivate a generation proficient in technology from an early age. The TechRise programme offers a range of courses, including creative arts and cybersecurity, designed to provide participants with diverse and practical skills aligned with modern industry standards. The program continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing digital literacy and fostering innovation among the youth.