In a powerful demonstration of rehabilitation through learning, six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, have successfully earned university degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
A Ceremony of Transformation and Hope
The significant academic achievement was formally recognized during a special ceremony held in Abuja on Monday, December 16, 2024. The event underscored a growing commitment within Nigeria's correctional system to use education as a vital tool for reform and successful reintegration into society.
The six graduates completed a diverse range of academic programs while serving their sentences, attaining qualifications at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. According to details provided by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the awarded degrees included two Master's Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. The four Bachelor's degrees were in the fields of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.
Correctional Service and NOUN Hail Milestone
Speaking at the graduation, the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the inmates for their remarkable determination and resilience. Represented by the Deputy Controller General, Dr. Amos Kupan, Nwakuche emphasized that education remains a cornerstone of the service's transformative agenda.
"Education transforms lives, builds capacity and proves that incarceration is not a dead end, but an opportunity for growth and reintegration," he stated. He further affirmed the Service's dedication to expanding access to both academic and skills acquisition programs to better prepare inmates for lawful and productive lives post-release.
The Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Mr. Christopher Jen, directly addressed the graduates. He congratulated them and urged them to become ambassadors of positive change. "Do not allow anyone to look down on you. Build on this success and pursue more education where possible," Jen advised, encouraging them to use their new qualifications as a foundation for rebuilding their futures.
Education as a "Pathway of Hope"
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr. Francis Enobore, commended the Nigeria Correctional Service for a collaboration that has spanned over 13 years. He described the educational initiative as "a pathway of hope" for inmates.
"Our open and distance learning model ensures that even the marginalised can access education. These graduates are proof that learning heals, equips and restores dignity," Enobore said. He added that the university plans to extend similar partnerships to reach more inmates in custodial centres across the country.
The success of these inmates highlights the effectiveness of NOUN's flexible open and distance learning (ODL) model, which allows individuals to pursue quality higher education regardless of their physical location or personal circumstances.
Graduates Express Renewed Purpose
One of the graduating inmates, Abba Kyari, who spoke on behalf of his peers, expressed profound gratitude to the NCoS leadership, officers at the Kuje facility, and NOUN management for providing the life-changing opportunity to study.
"The learning experience restored our sense of purpose. Our years in custody were not wasted, and the knowledge we gained will remain useful for the rest of our lives," Kyari shared. This sentiment echoes the core objective of correctional education: to offer hope, equip individuals with valuable tools, and foster a constructive vision for life after release.
This landmark graduation from the Kuje Custodial Centre stands as a strong testament to the potential within Nigeria's correctional system to foster redemption and positive change through the power of education.
