NOUN Enrols 36 Inmates in Higher Education Programme

•25 undergraduates, nine master’s students, two PhD candidates matriculate

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has enrolled 36 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos State, in a higher education programme aimed at supporting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The students, comprising 25 undergraduates, nine master’s degree candidates and two Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates, were matriculated on Friday, according to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State Command.

The Controller of Corrections in Lagos State, Daramola George, urged the students to remain disciplined and committed to their studies, describing the opportunity as a pathway to personal development and better prospects after their release.

He encouraged them to take advantage of the programme to acquire knowledge and recognised qualifications that could help them build productive lives beyond custody.

George said education remained a vital part of the correctional service’s mandate to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates into society.

He noted that access to education could equip them with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to make positive contributions to society.

The matriculation ceremony marked another milestone in the partnership between NOUN and the correctional service to expand access to higher education within custodial facilities.

The Director of NOUN’s Lagos Study Centre, Victoria Island, Prof. Inua Ofe, formally welcomed the matriculants into the university community and administered the matriculation oath.

Other officials at the event included Raphael Unazi, who represented the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Zone A, and Deputy Controller of Corrections Adebukola Adetula.

Representatives of organisations supporting correctional rehabilitation also attended the ceremony. They included Baptist Prison Ministry, House on the Rock, TREM and BITS BY MANI.

Their participation highlighted the contributions of faith-based organisations, private institutions and other development partners to inmates’ welfare and educational advancement.

In his vote of thanks, the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections Ebereonwu Ogueri, expressed appreciation to NOUN, the correctional service leadership and partner organisations for their continued support.

He acknowledged their contributions to the educational development of inmates and efforts to strengthen rehabilitation within the correctional system.

The Lagos State Command reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships that promote education, reformation, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

It added that higher education would enable inmates to broaden their knowledge, earn recognised qualifications and prepare for productive lives after custody.

The statement was signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corrections Onimisi Osho.