The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) awards degrees to six inmates at Kuje Custodial Centre, promoting education, rehabilitation, and reintegration

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has conferred degrees on six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, highlighting the role of education in rehabilitation and reintegration.

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Speaking at the ceremony, the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the graduates for their resilience and determination, noting that pursuing higher education while in custody demonstrates commitment to personal growth.

The graduates received degrees in various disciplines, including 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.

Represented by the Deputy Controller General, Dr Amos Kupan, Nwakuche emphasised that education transforms lives, builds capacity, and turns incarceration into an opportunity for positive change.

“The Service will continue to foster skills and educational opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and a better future after release,” he said.

The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates and urged them to serve as ambassadors of the custodial centre, encouraging them to use their certificates to improve their lives and pursue further education.

Representing NOUN’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Francis Enobore, Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, acknowledged 13 years of partnership between the university and NCoS, describing the programme as a “pathway of hope” that empowers inmates toward dignity and effective reintegration into society.

He also highlighted NOUN’s open and distance learning model, which ensures access to education even for the marginalised.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to NCoS and NOUN for the opportunity to learn while in custody.

He described the experience as life-changing, stating that the knowledge acquired would benefit them for years to come.

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The event included counselling sessions on re-entry, skill development, and community reintegration, with inmates pledging to model positive change and contribute meaningfully to society upon release.