6 Kuje Prison Inmates Receive Degrees from NOUN

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded degree certificates to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, as part of efforts to promote inclusive and accessible education.

The event, held at the custodial centre, was attended by officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and NOUN representatives. The Controller General of NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the graduates for their resilience and determination, saying that education transforms lives and builds capacity.

The six inmates 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.

NOUN’s Director of the Special Study Centre, Dr Francis Enobore, appreciated the NCoS for their 13-year partnership in educational development, saying that the university would continue to empower inmates towards dignity and effective re-entry into society.

One of the graduates, Abba Kyari, expressed gratitude to the NCoS and NOUN for the opportunity to learn while in custody, saying that the experience had restored their sense of purpose and that the knowledge acquired would be useful for the rest of their lives.

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