NOUN presents degree certificates to six Kuje inmates

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has presented degree certificates to six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the graduates for their resilience and determination.

Nwakuche, in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Samson Duza, in Abuja on Tuesday, said the graduates pursued various NOUN programmes while in custody.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the six individuals 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.

However, the event was said to highlight NOUN’s dedication to making education inclusive and reachable, aligning perfectly with NCoS’ mission to rehabilitate inmates and help them rejoin society successfully.

Nwakuche, who was represented by the Deputy Controller General (DCG), Dr Amos Kupan, said education transforms lives, builds capacity, and demonstrates that incarceration is not a dead end but an opportunity for growth and reintegration.

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“The Service will continue to foster skills and educational opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and a better future after release,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates, calling them to be good ambassadors of the correctional center. 

He also urged them to leverage these hard-won degrees to uplift themselves once released—making sure no one underestimates them. 

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr Francis Enobore, appreciated the Service for 13 years of partnership in educational development.

According to the retired Controller of Corrections (CC), Enobore, the programme was a pathway of hope, adding that NOUN would continue to empower inmates towards dignity and effective re-entry into society.

Enobore emphasised that NOUN’s flexible learning model opens doors for even the most underserved—making education a bridge to hope. These graduates, he said, are living proof that learning mends, empowers, and gives back pride. 

He added that the university would expand such partnerships to reach more inmates across custodial centres.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to the NCoS Controller General, officers, and men of the Kuje Custodial Centre, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN and the university’s management, for the opportunity to learn while in custody.

He explained that through learning, they reclaimed their sense of direction—their time inside the custody wasn’t in vain, and this new knowledge will fuel their lives moving forward. 

The event further highlighted counseling sessions focused on re-entry, skill development, and community reintegration, with inmates committing to drive positive change and make meaningful contributions to society after release.