The initiative reflected the university’s commitment to inclusivity, national development, social justice and giving citizens a second chance to rebuild their lives
By Moses Okorie
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 70 inmates of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu, into various undergraduate programmes under its Special Study Centre in the facility.
The matriculation ceremony, held on Wednesday in Enugu, marked another milestone in the efforts of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to use education as a tool for the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
Speaking at the event, the Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the service remained committed to expanding access to education and other developmental opportunities for inmates across the country.
Nwakuche, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Zone M, Prisca Oku, said the NCoS would continue to strengthen correctional education while creating more opportunities for academic, vocational and skills development in custodial centres.
He urged the new students to remain focused, obey the rules and regulations of both NOUN and the correctional service, and strive to become worthy ambassadors of the programme.
“Your present circumstances should not define your future; rather, let this opportunity equip you with the knowledge, skills and character needed to build a productive and responsible life beyond custody,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Udoma Oji Udoma, said the university had remained committed to providing accessible and quality higher education to inmates.
Udoma, represented by the Director of the NOUN Enugu Study Centre, Prof. Loveth Ekwueme, disclosed that inmates enjoy 100 per cent tuition-free education at NOUN at every level.
He said the initiative reflected the university’s commitment to inclusivity, national development, social justice and giving citizens a second chance to rebuild their lives.
“NOUN affirms its belief that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor charged the matriculating students to uphold scholarship, discipline and integrity, describing their enrolment as evidence of courage and determination to transform their lives through education.
He added that education remained a powerful instrument for personal renewal and successful reintegration into society.
The Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Valins Obizue, encouraged the inmates to take full advantage of the free education programme, describing it as an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that would improve their lives.
Obizue commended the NCoS and NOUN for providing an accessible platform for academic advancement and rehabilitation of inmates across the country.
In his welcome address, the Officer-in-Charge of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu, Dr Sunday Igwe, said the centre’s NOUN study programme had grown significantly since its establishment.
According to him, the centre started in July 2011 with only 12 students but currently has 262 students.
Igwe said the growth represented more than an increase in numbers, noting that it reflected the dreams, aspirations and opportunities of inmates seeking personal and professional development.
He stressed that the custodial environment was not only about security and safe custody but also about preparing inmates for meaningful contributions to society after their release.
The newly matriculated students were admitted into various programmes, including Public Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Criminology and Security Studies.
One of the matriculants, whose name was withheld, expressed appreciation to the NCoS and NOUN for providing inmates with access to quality and tuition-free university education.
The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath, cutting of the matriculation cake and other activities.