The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 70 undergraduate inmates to undertake courses at its special study centre in the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Enugu, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, said the matriculation remained a milestone in the service.

Mr Nwakuche said the NCoS was committed to using education as an instrument for reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The controller-general was represented by Prisca Oku, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Zone M.

He said that the NCoS would continue to strengthen correctional education and expand opportunities for academic, vocational and skills development across custodial centres.

He encouraged the matriculating inmates to remain focused, uphold the rules and regulations of the university and the service, and strive to become worthy ambassadors of the correctional education programme.

“Your present circumstances should not define your future; rather, let this opportunity equip you with the knowledge, skills and character needed to build a productive and responsible life beyond custody.”

Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Udoma Oji Udoma, said that the university had continued to provide quality and accessible higher education for inmates by offering 100 per cent tuition-free education to them at any level.

Mr Udoma, who was represented by the director, NOUN Enugu study centre, Loveth Ekwueme, noted that the university had consistently championed inclusivity for inmates.

“NOUN affirms its belief that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he said.

He said that the initiative reflected NOUN’s commitment to national development, social justice and the rehabilitation of citizens who deserved a second chance.

“To our new students: today you pledge to uphold the values of scholarship, discipline, and integrity. Your enrollment signifies courage, determination, and the desire to transform your lives through knowledge.

“Remember that education is the most powerful tool for personal renewal and societal reintegration,” he said.

The Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Valins Obizue, encouraged inmates to take advantage of the free education opportunities and avail themselves of educational opportunities meant to improve their lives.

Mr Obizue appreciated the controller-general of the NCoS and NOUN for providing a veritable and accessible platform for the reformation and academic upliftment of inmates nationwide.

In a welcome address, the officer-in-charge of NCoS maximum security custodial centre, Enugu, Sunday Igwe, said that the study centre started with a population of 12 students in July 2011 and had grown to 262 students.

Mr Igwe noted that the growth was not merely a numerical increase but represented dreams, aspirations, opportunities and journeys towards personal and professional development.

“NCoS firmly believe that education is one of the most powerful instruments for human development, reformation, rehabilitation and preparatory for eventual re-integration, empowerment and positive transformation.

“Our custodial environment is not only about security and safe custody. It is also about preparing individuals for meaningful contributions to the society.

“NOUN remains and offers the foremost Open and Distant Learning opportunity in Nigeria,” he said.

One of the matriculants, whose name was withheld, appreciated the controller-general of the NCoS and vice-chancellor of NOUN for providing the laudable educational reformative programme and making it seamless for all inmates.

The undergraduates were admitted into different programmes, including Public Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Criminology and Security Studies, among others.

Highlights of the event were the oath-taking by the matriculants and the cutting of the matriculation cake, among others. 

(NAN)