No fewer than 3 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Kuje Custodial Centre, FCT, have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in various disciplines.
The inmates, who received their certificates at the convocation ceremony organised by the institution at the Kuje Custodial Centre were pronounced graduates after the completion of their various programmes for the 2022/2023 academic session.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they comprised of three males who had undertaken courses for both Masters Degrees, Post Diploma in Education, and undergraduate degrees respectively.
During the presentation of certificates to the graduands, the Controller General of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa FCIMC, MFR, mni, said education is transformative and a powerful tool for development in every society.
Nababa who was represented by the Controller of Corrections FCT Command, Ibrahim N Idris, maintained that with the acquired certificates, the graduands are now fit to compete anywhere without being stigmatized.
The CGC appreciated the National Open University of Nigeria for their unwavering support and partnership with the Service in ensuring that inmates are being reformed through education.
However, he stated that since the inception of the partnership, over 200 inmates have enrolled for tertiary education in Kuje centre alone.
He enjoined other inmates of the facility to take advantage of this free education and other vocational skills to get themselves equipped for success in the larger society upon release.
“To the inmates certificates being issued today, coupled with your good conduct, you will not be victimised after release because you will be useful to yourself and society.
“Other inmates should take advantage of this free education to get themselves equipped for succes in the larger society upon release.
“Appreciation to NOUN for, partnership with the NCoS in its “RIGHT TO EDUCATION” for the inmates as enshrined in the NCoS Act 2019.
“Your partnership is not only useful in the number of certificates issued but it helps to curb insecurity by making the inmates busy/hopeful of the future,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Olufemi Peters, felicitated with the graduands saying that the achievement is a testimony of their commitment and determination.
Peters, who was represented by the National Coordinator of all Special Study Centres, Mrs Modupe Adesina, said despite their circumstances, it will add value and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the society.
Professor Olufemi urged all inmates to make the best of the opportunity that has been given to them to improve and empower themselves for self reliance.
The Centre Director, Controller of Corrections Francis Enobore, mni (Rtd), called on the public to desist from stigmatizing ex-offenders, as they have been corrected, and should be accepted back into the society with all rights and privileges to avoid reoccurrence.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections, incharge of Kuje Custodial Centre, Christopher Peter Jen, while applauding the graduands urged them to take advantage of the different vocational/skill acquisition training programmes that are ongoing in the facility.
The graduating inmate who spoke on behalf of other graduands, Mr Dabu Christian Picador, expressed joy and fulfillment with their achievement.
They appreciated the NCoS and NOUN for helping them rediscover themselves and putting them in the right path through academics.
However, he called on other inmates who are yet to enrol in the programme with the institution to do so, to help equip themselves with the required education, assuring that they will remain agents of change in the society.