11 prisoners graduate from NOUN, 50 others matriculate at Enugu custodial special centre
Eleven prisoners from the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, in its 2022/2023 Academic Year. Additionally, 50 fresh students matriculated at a ceremony in Enugu.
In an address on Thursday at the 12th Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony at the centre, Nicholas Obiakor, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, charged the students, who are inmates, to ensure that their higher education and academic discipline are reflected in all they do.
Mr. Obiakor, represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections James Abonyi, expressed appreciation to the Controller General (CG) of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, for providing the platform and enabling environment for educational reformation and transformation of inmates.
He emphasized that educational attainment and pursuit remained the best thing any inmate would want to achieve, especially as it is done at no cost to the inmate, as long as they indicate interest and commitment.
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“I want to commend our amiable CG for turning this correctional centre from a punitive ground to a place of exceptional reformation that is the envy of all. Highly educationally-qualified students are churned out here yearly,” he said.
“I want to appreciate the Commander-in-Chief and the President, who, through NOUN, has provided a free-of-charge learning platform for all inmates wishing to enroll for university education, as well as non-governmental organizations, foundations, and individuals that have supported inmates’ education.
“For our students, I want you to take advantage of this golden opportunity to reach the top and be the best in your chosen academic endeavours. I also urge you to avoid vices and examination malpractices but remain highly focused,” he added.
During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, congratulated both the graduating and matriculating students for choosing a path that “will guarantee their future in society.”
Mr. Peters, represented by the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Mrs. Modupe Adesina, highlighted that 66 inmates from different custodial centres in the country graduated this year, with Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre having 11 graduates.
“It is clear that with your academic reforms and higher educational attainment, your future is very bright. The sky is your starting point for greatness and exploits in life when you leave here,” he emphasized.
Kelvin Iloafonsi, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) and Educational Desk Officer of NOUN at the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre, congratulated the students, acknowledging the significance of gaining admission into NOUN while being incarcerated.
Mr. Iloafonsi noted that “NOUN is the only university in Nigeria where you cannot cut corners to be admitted because admission is done online with due process and procedures.”
He advised the matriculating students to shun all forms of social vices, such as cultism, robbery, kidnapping, fraud, and nefarious activities, which can ruin their bright future upon regaining freedom.
Mr. Iloafonsi expressed gratitude to the CG of Corrections, Mr. Nababa, for making the program possible and providing an educational reformation platform for inmates, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Peters, for approving special study centers and implementing tuition-free academic pursuits.
Eze Utama, one of the graduates, commended the Federal Government, the CG of Corrections, Mr. Nababa, and Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Peters, for providing quality education free-of-charge at their doorstep and taking a special interest in their reformation.
The highlights of the event included the matriculating students taking an oath administered by Enugu NOUN Centre Director, Prof. Onyia, represented by Matthew Egede, as well as the cutting of the convocation and matriculation cake and cultural displays.