By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded degrees to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration through education.
The graduates earned two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.
Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the inmates’ resilience and described education as a tool for transforming lives, building capacity, and preparing inmates for a productive future.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, urged the graduates to be ambassadors of the custodial centre, pursue further education, and use their certificates to improve their lives despite stigma.
Representing NOUN, Dr. Francis Enobore highlighted the open and distance learning model as a pathway of hope, enabling even marginalised groups to access education. He pledged to expand similar programmes across custodial centres nationwide.
Graduate representative Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to NOUN and NCoS, noting that studying in custody restored their sense of purpose. The event also featured counselling, skills development, and community reintegration sessions.