The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, has awarded academic degrees to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, marking another milestone in the ongoing effort to promote education and rehabilitation within Nigeriaās correctional system.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Abuja, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment to self-improvement despite the challenges of incarceration.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, Nwakuche noted that the inmates successfully completed various NOUN programmes while serving their sentences.
He stated that the graduates earned degrees across multiple disciplines, including two Masterās degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. The remaining four received Bachelorās degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.
Represented at the event by the Deputy Controller-General, Dr Amos Kupan, the NCoS boss described education as a powerful tool for transformation, stressing that incarceration should not be seen as the end of personal development but as an opportunity for reform and reintegration.
He reaffirmed the Serviceās commitment to expanding educational and vocational programmes aimed at equipping inmates with skills for lawful and productive lives after their release.
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold good conduct as ambassadors of the custodial centre.
He encouraged them to make effective use of their certificates upon discharge and to pursue further education to strengthen their prospects.
Also speaking, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr Francis Enobore, who represented the universityās Vice-Chancellor, commended the 13-year collaboration between NOUN and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
He described the initiative as a source of hope for inmates and pledged the universityās continued support for educational access within custodial centres nationwide.
Enobore, a retired Controller of Corrections, explained that NOUNās open and distance learning system was designed to reach underserved populations, noting that the graduatesā success demonstrated the restorative power of education.
On behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari,Ā a suspended deputy commissioner of police, incarcerated over drugs and corruption related charges, expressed appreciation to the NCoS leadership, officers of the Kuje Custodial Centre, and NOUN management for enabling inmates to pursue higher education while in custody.
He said the programme had renewed their sense of purpose and ensured that their time in detention was not wasted.
The ceremony also featured counselling sessions focused on post-release reintegration, skill acquisition, and community engagement, as the graduates pledged to contribute positively to society upon regaining their freedom.
NOUN confers degrees on six inmates at Kuje custodial centre
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