The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on Tuesday presented degree certificates to six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, in a ceremony officials said shows that prison can be a place for learning and change.
The graduates earned 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, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) said.
NCoS Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche, speaking at the event, commended the graduates for their “resilience and determination.”
He said the service will continue to “foster skills and educational opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and a better future after release.”
The Controller of Corrections for the Federal Capital Territory, Christopher Jen, told the graduates to be “good ambassadors of the correctional center” and to use their degrees to uplift themselves after release.
Representing NOUN’s vice-chancellor, Dr. Francis Enobore called the programme “a pathway of hope,” saying the university’s flexible learning model “opens doors for even the most underserved” and helps prisoners rejoin society with skills and dignity.
Speaking for the graduates, Abba Kyari thanked NCoS and NOUN and said their study had restored direction: “Our time inside custody wasn’t in vain, and this new knowledge will fuel our lives moving forward,” he said.
The event also included counselling and sessions on re-entry, skills training and community reintegration.
Authorities said they will expand such partnerships so more inmates can access education and increase chances of successful reintegration.
