NOUN awards degrees to six Kuje inmates in Abuja
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has presented degree certificates to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.
The graduation ceremony was held in Abuja and marked another milestone in the university’s partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
The Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the inmates for their determination to pursue education despite being in custody, describing the achievement as proof of the power of rehabilitation through learning.
Degrees earned while in custody
“The graduates, who pursued various NOUN programmes while incarcerated, received their degrees in different fields, which include two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology and Security Studies,” the statement read.
Nwakuche said the programme reflected NOUN’s commitment to inclusive education and the Correctional Service’s focus on reform and reintegration.
Education as tool for reintegration
Represented by his deputy, Dr Amos Kupan, the Controller-General said education provides inmates with skills and hope for a better future after release.
NOUN’s representative, Dr Francis Enobore, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding educational access across custodial centres, while a graduate representative expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn while in custody.
