Six Kuje inmates earn NOUN degrees
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded degree certificates to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the inmates for their perseverance and commitment to self-improvement despite being in custody. His remarks were conveyed in a statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwakuche disclosed that the graduates pursued various academic programmes through NOUN while serving their sentences. The degrees awarded included 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 highlighted NOUN’s dedication to inclusive education and the NCoS’s focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. Represented by the Deputy Controller-General, Dr. Amos Kupan, Nwakuche emphasized that education has the power to transform lives, noting that incarceration should not be seen as the end of opportunity but a chance for growth and positive change.
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“The Service remains committed to providing educational and skill-development opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful and productive lives after release,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to serve as positive representatives of the custodial centre. He urged them to use their certificates to rebuild their lives and pursue further education.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr. Francis Enobore, expressed appreciation for the 13-year partnership between NOUN and the Nigeria Correctional Service. Enobore, a retired Controller of Corrections, described the initiative as a “pathway of hope” and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to empowering inmates through education.
He noted that NOUN’s open and distance learning system makes education accessible to marginalized groups, adding that the graduates’ success demonstrates how learning restores dignity and purpose. He also revealed plans to expand similar programmes to more custodial centres nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to the NCoS leadership, officers of the Kuje Custodial Centre, and NOUN’s management for providing the opportunity to study while in custody. He said the experience renewed their sense of purpose and assured that the knowledge gained would have lasting value.
The event also featured counselling sessions focused on re-entry, skills acquisition, and community reintegration. The graduates pledged to embrace positive change and contribute meaningfully to society upon their release.
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