The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 70 inmates of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu, as undergraduates under its Special Study Centre in the facility.
The matriculation took place on Wednesday during the 31st matriculation ceremony of the centre, with the inmates admitted into various programmes, including Public Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Criminology and Security Studies.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, described the event as a milestone in the Service’s efforts to use education as an instrument of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Nwakuche, 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, disciplined and committed to their studies while complying with the rules of the university and the correctional service.
“To the matriculating students, 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.
The Controller-General said the academic journey should go beyond obtaining qualifications to transforming the inmates’ mindset, broadening their horizons and preparing them for meaningful reintegration into society.
He said, “Your academic journey is not merely about obtaining a qualification; it is also about transforming your mindset, broadening your horizons and preparing yourselves for meaningful reintegration into the society.”
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. 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 every level.
Udoma, represented by the Director, NOUN Enugu Study Centre, Prof. Loveth Ekwueme, said the initiative demonstrated the university’s commitment to inclusivity and its belief that education was a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
“NOUN affirms its belief that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
She said the initiative reflected the university’s commitment to national development, social justice and the rehabilitation of citizens deserving a second chance.
Udoma urged the new students to uphold scholarship, discipline and integrity, describing their enrolment as evidence of courage, determination and their desire to transform their lives through education.
“Remember that education is the most powerful tool for personal renewal and societal reintegration,” she said.
The Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Valins Obizue, encouraged the inmates to take full advantage of the free educational opportunities available to them and pursue academic qualifications capable of improving their lives.
Obizue appreciated the Controller-General of the NCoS and NOUN for providing an accessible platform for the reformation and academic advancement of inmates across the country.
In his welcome address, the Officer-in-Charge of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu, Dr Sunday Igwe, said the NOUN study centre had grown from 12 students when it commenced in July 2011 to 262 students.
Igwe said the increase represented more than numerical growth, describing the students as individuals with dreams, aspirations and opportunities for personal and professional development.
“The growth from 12 students to 262 students is not merely a numerical increase but represents 262 dreams, 262 aspirations, 262 opportunities and 262 journeys towards personal and professional developments,” he said.
The officer-in-charge said the NCoS regarded education as a powerful instrument for human development, reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, empowerment and positive transformation.
“NCoS firmly believes that education is one of the most powerful instruments for human development, reformation, rehabilitation and preparatory for eventual re-integration, empowerment and positive transformation,” he said.
Igwe stressed that custodial centres were not only meant for security and safe custody but also for preparing inmates to make meaningful contributions to society.
He said the growth of NOUN’s academic activities at the centre demonstrated that education could flourish wherever there was commitment, discipline and determination.
“NOUN remains and offers the foremost Open and Distant Learning opportunity in Nigeria,” Igwe said.
One of the matriculating inmates, whose identity was withheld, appreciated the NCoS Controller-General and NOUN Vice-Chancellor for providing the educational and reformative 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.
