The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 70 inmates to undertake undergraduate programmes at its Special Study Centre located within the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre in Enugu State.
The 31st matriculation ceremony of the centre, held on Wednesday, brought together officials of NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), who reaffirmed the role of education in the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
Key Highlights
- NOUN matriculates 70 inmates at its Special Study Centre in Enugu.
- NCoS says education is central to the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
- NOUN provides 100 per cent tuition-free education for inmates at all levels.
- Enugu custodial study centre has grown from 12 students in 2011 to 262.
- Inmates are studying courses including Public Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Criminology and Security Studies.
- NCoS urges inmates to use education as a pathway to productive lives after custody.
In an address at the ceremony, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, described the matriculation as a milestone in the service’s commitment to using education as an instrument for reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Nwakuche, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Zone M, Prisca Oku, said the NCoS would continue to strengthen correctional education and expand opportunities for academic, vocational and skills development across custodial centres.
He urged the matriculating inmates to remain focused and abide by the rules and regulations of both NOUN and the Correctional Service.
“I also urge you to embrace this opportunity with seriousness, discipline and determination. Your present circumstances should not define your future. Rather, let this opportunity equip you with the knowledge, skills and character needed to build a productive and responsible life beyond custody,” he said.
Nwakuche added that the academic journey should go beyond obtaining qualifications, saying it should help the students transform their mindset, broaden their horizons and prepare for meaningful reintegration into society.
NOUN Offers Free Education to Inmates
Speaking at the ceremony, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Udoma Oji Udoma, said the university had continued to provide quality and accessible higher education to inmates by offering 100 per cent tuition-free education at all levels.
Udoma, who was represented by the Director of NOUN Enugu Study Centre, Professor Loveth Ekwueme, said the university had consistently promoted inclusivity by providing inmates with access to higher education.
“NOUN affirms its belief that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he said.
According to him, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to national development, social justice and the rehabilitation of citizens who deserve a second chance.
Addressing the new students, Udoma urged them to uphold the values of scholarship, discipline and integrity.
“Your enrollment signifies courage, determination, and the desire to transform your lives through knowledge. Remember that education is the most powerful tool for personal renewal and societal reintegration,” he said.
NCoS Urges Inmates to Embrace Education
The Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Valins Obizue, encouraged the inmates to take advantage of the free educational opportunities available to them.
Obizue commended the Controller-General of the NCoS and NOUN for providing an accessible platform for the reformation and academic development of inmates across the country.
He urged the students to remain committed to their studies and use their education to improve their lives.
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Enugu NOUN Study Centre Grows From 12 to 262 Students
In his welcome address, the Officer-in-Charge of the NCoS Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu, Dr Sunday Igwe, said the study centre began with 12 students in July 2011 and had grown to 262 students.
Igwe described the growth as more than an increase in numbers, saying it represented hundreds of dreams, aspirations and opportunities for personal and professional development.
He said the NCoS viewed education as a major instrument for human development, reformation, rehabilitation, empowerment and eventual reintegration into society.
“Our custodial environment is not only about security and safe custody. It is also about preparing individuals for meaningful contributions to society,” Igwe said.
He added that the growth of NOUN’s academic activities within the custodial environment demonstrated that education could flourish wherever there was commitment, discipline and determination.
Inmates Study Public Administration, Criminology, Others
The newly matriculated undergraduates were admitted into various programmes, including Public Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Criminology and Security Studies.
One of the matriculants, whose name was withheld, expressed appreciation to the Controller-General of the NCoS and the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN for providing the educational programme and making access to higher education easier for inmates.
The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath to the new students and the cutting of the matriculation cake, among other activities.
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