Eleven prisoners from the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in its 2022/2023 academic session, while 50 new students matriculated at a ceremony in Enugu.

The Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Nicholas Obiakor, while speaking at the 12th convocation and matriculation ceremony at the centre on Thursday, July 13, 2023, urged the students, who are inmates, to ensure that their higher education and academic discipline are reflected in all they do.

Obiakor, who was represented by an Assistant Controller of Corrections, James Abonyi, appreciated the Controller General (CG) of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, for providing the platform and enabling environment for educational reformation and transformation of inmates.

He noted that educational attainment and pursuit remained the best thing any inmate would want to achieve, especially as it is done at no cost to the inmate as far as he or she indicates interest and commitment.

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Issuing out the degree certificates to the graduating students, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, congratulated both the graduating and matriculating students for choosing a path that “will guaranty their future in the society”.

Peters, who was represented by the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Modupe Adesina, said 66 inmates from different custodial centres in the country graduated in 2023 with Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre having 11.

He said: “You should take advantage of this opportunity provided by the Federal Government, through NOUN, as you can take your academic pursuit to the Doctorate Degree level without paying a dime.

“It is clear that with your academic reforms and higher educational attainment, your future is very bright and the sky is your starting point for your greatness and exploits in life when you leave here.”

One of the graduates, Eze Utama, commended the Federal Government, the CG of Corrections, and Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, for providing quality education free-of-charge at their doorsteps and taking special interest in their reformation.

The Star