NOUN awards degrees to six Kuje inmates
The National Open University of Nigeria has awarded degree certificates to six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre located in Kuje, Abuja.
During the event held in Abuja, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment.
A statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, indicated that the graduates engaged in various NOUN programs while in custody.
"The graduates, who undertook different NOUN programs during their incarceration, received degrees in several fields, including two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, along with four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies," the statement noted.
Nwakuche emphasized that the event highlighted NOUN’s dedication to providing inclusive and accessible education, as well as the NCoS’s commitment to rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
The Controller-General, represented by his deputy, Dr. Amos Kupan, remarked that education has the power to transform lives, enhance capabilities, and illustrate that incarceration is not an endpoint but rather a chance for personal development and reintegration.
"The Service will persist in promoting skills and educational opportunities that equip inmates for lawful livelihoods and a brighter future post-release," he stated.
In his welcoming remarks, Christopher Jen, the Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments, encouraging them to serve as positive representatives of the custodial centre.
He urged them to leverage their certificates to enhance their lives upon release and to not let anyone belittle them, while also motivating them to seek further education to build upon their achievements.
Dr. Francis Enobore, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, expressed gratitude to the Service for 13 years of collaboration in educational advancement.
He said the learning experience restored their sense of purpose, noting that their years in custody were not wasted and that the knowledge acquired would be useful for the rest of their lives.
Highlights of the event included 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.
