By our Reporter
The National Open University of Nigeria has conferred degree certificates on six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, reinforcing the role of education in rehabilitation.
The Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the inmates for their determination, noting that they completed various NOUN programmes while in custody. According to a statement by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, the graduates earned two master’s degrees and four bachelor’s degrees in fields including peace studies and conflict resolution, political science, criminology, and security studies.
Nwakuche said the development reflects NOUN’s commitment to inclusive education and the Correctional Service’s focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. Represented by his deputy, Dr Amos Kupan, he stressed that education transforms lives and prepares inmates for lawful livelihoods after release.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, urged the graduates to use their certificates positively and remain good ambassadors. Representing NOUN, Dr Francis Enobore described the initiative as a pathway of hope enabled by open and distance learning.
Speaking for the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude, saying the opportunity restored their sense of purpose and ensured their time in custody was not wasted.
