The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded degrees to six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, highlighting the transformative power of education in correctional settings.
At the ceremony, the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the graduates for their determination and resilience in pursuing academic goals while in custody.
According to a statement from the Command Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, the graduates completed various NOUN programmes during their time in confinement.
The graduates earned degrees in multiple disciplines, including two Master’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, as well as four Bachelor’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.
The event underscored NOUN’s dedication to inclusive and accessible education, alongside the NCoS focus on rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for successful reintegration into society.
Represented by the Deputy Controller General, Dr. Amos Kupan, Nwakuche emphasized that education transforms lives, builds skills, and demonstrates that incarceration can serve as an opportunity for growth.
“The Service will continue to provide educational and skill-building opportunities to prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and meaningful futures after release,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to be exemplary ambassadors of the custodial centre.
He advised them to leverage their certificates to improve their lives, pursue further education, and never allow societal stigma to undermine their achievements.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Dr. Francis Enobore, Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, thanked the Correctional Service for 13 years of collaboration in advancing educational development.
Enobore, a retired Controller of Corrections, described the programme as a pathway of hope, affirming that NOUN’s open and distance learning model allows even marginalized individuals to access education.
He noted that the graduates’ success is proof that learning empowers, heals, and restores dignity, and pledged to expand similar initiatives to more custodial centres.
On behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to the NCoS leadership, the Kuje Custodial Centre staff, and NOUN for enabling them to pursue their studies while incarcerated.
He highlighted that their education restored purpose and ensured that their time in custody contributed to personal growth and lifelong learning.
The ceremony also featured counselling sessions on re-entry, skill development, and community reintegration, as the graduates committed to becoming positive role models and contributing meaningfully to society after their release.