The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has presented degree certificates to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.
The Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche stated this in a statement by the Service spokesperson, Samson Duza, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwakuche said the prisoners who pursued various NOUN programmes received two Master’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and four Bachelor’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology and Security Studies.
Nwakuche who was represented by the Deputy Controller General (DCG), Dr Amos Kupan, said incarceration was not a dead end but an opportunity for growth and reintegration.
“The Service will continue to foster skills and educational opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and a better future after release.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates and urged them to be good ambassadors of the custodial centre.
He advised them to use their certificates to improve their lives upon discharge and not allow anyone look down on them, while also encouraging them to pursue further education to build on their success.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr. Francis Enobore, appreciated the Service for 13 years of partnership in educational development.
Enobore, who doubled as a retired Controller of Corrections (CC), described the programme as a pathway of hope, adding that NOUN would continue to empower inmates towards dignity and effective re-entry into society.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to the NCoS Controller General, officers and men of the Kuje Custodial Centre, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN and the university’s management, for the opportunity given to them to learn while in custody.
He said the experience restored their sense of purpose, adding that their years in custody were not wasted and that the knowledge acquired would be useful for the rest of their lives.
Highpoints of the event were counselling sessions on re-entry, skill development and community reintegration, as the inmates pledged to model positive change and contribute meaningfully to society upon release.
