The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded degree certificates to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
The graduation ceremony, held in Abuja, underscores the growing emphasis on education as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration within Nigeria’s correctional system.
NCoS Commends Inmates’ Determination
The Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the inmates for their resilience and commitment to education despite being in custody. He described their achievement as strong evidence of the transformative power of learning in reforming lives.
According to Nwakuche, the programme reflects NOUN’s dedication to inclusive education and aligns with the Correctional Service’s mandate to reform inmates and prepare them for successful reintegration into society.
Degrees Earned While in Custody
A statement from the organisers revealed that the inmates completed various NOUN academic programmes during their incarceration. The degrees awarded include:
- Two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies
The achievement highlights the impact of educational opportunities within custodial centres and reinforces the role of structured learning in reducing recidivism.
A Step Toward Reintegration
The graduation is being hailed as another positive step toward promoting rehabilitation, personal development, and social reintegration for inmates, demonstrating that access to education can reshape futures—even behind bars.
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