6 Kuje Correctional Centre Inmates Graduate From NOUN

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has conferred certificates on six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer, FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Adamu Duza says the ceremony celebrates rehabilitation through education.

According to the statement, the graduates, who pursued various NOUN programs while incarcerated, received their degrees in different fields which includes 2 Master’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, 4 Bachelors Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.

It states that the feat underscores NOUN’s commitment to accessible education and the Nigerian Correctional Service’s focus on inmate rehabilitation.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche represented by Deputy Controller-General Amos Kupan, hailed the graduates’ resilience and determination, stating that “Education transforms lives, builds capacity, proving that incarceration is not a dead end but a pivot to growth and reintegration.

” We will keep fostering skills for re-entry and a better future.”

He also urged the graduates to leverage education for lawful livelihood.

In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, Congratulated the graduands on the feat, urging them to be good ambassadors of the correctional centre.

He urged them to use the certificate to better their lot upon discharge without letting anyone look down on them.

Akpan also charged them to seek further education to build on the new success.

The Vice Chancellor, NOUN, Mrs. Modupe Adesina represented by the Director NOUN Special Study Centre,  retired Controller of Corrections, Francis Enobore, appreciated the Service for 13 years of partnership and development stating that the programme is a pathway to hope.

“We will keep empowering inmates toward dignity and re-entry.” “NOUN’s open model empowers even the marginalized. These graduates show learning heals, equips, and dignifies. We will expand such partnerships.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Abba Kyari, appreciated the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, officers and men of the Kuje custodial centre as well as the Vice Chancellor of NOUN and management team, for the chance to learn behind bars.

“Learning here restored my purpose and I’m grateful that our years here was not a waste. What we have achieved will be useful to us for the rest of our lives.”

The ceremony included counselling on re-entry, skill-building, and community reintegration, while inmates pledged to be models for positive change.

Nkiruka Njemanze, Edited By Grace Namiji