The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has enrolled 36 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, in a move aimed at improving their educational opportunities and preparing them for life after incarceration.
The newly admitted students comprise 25 undergraduates, nine postgraduate students pursuing master’s degrees and two doctoral candidates. The Nigerian Correctional Service’s Lagos State Command disclosed this in a statement following Friday’s matriculation ceremony.
Addressing the students, the Controller of Corrections in Lagos State, Daramola George, called on them to approach their academic programmes with seriousness, self-discipline and determination.
He described their admission as an opportunity to develop themselves academically and improve their chances of securing meaningful opportunities upon returning to society.
George urged the inmates to maximise the benefits of university education by gaining the knowledge and qualifications necessary to establish productive lives beyond the custodial centre.
He explained that education was central to the correctional service’s efforts to transform inmates, support their rehabilitation and prepare them for a successful return to their communities.
According to him, learning opportunities within custodial facilities can help inmates build relevant skills, strengthen their self-confidence and become better equipped to contribute positively to society.
The exercise further strengthens the collaboration between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service in making university education accessible to people serving custodial sentences.
During the event, the Director of NOUN’s Victoria Island Study Centre in Lagos, Prof. Inua Ofe, received the new students into the institution and administered the matriculation oath.
Other officials in attendance included Raphael Unazi, who represented the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections for Zone A, and Deputy Controller of Corrections Adebukola Adetula.
Representatives of organisations involved in supporting inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation were also present. They included Baptist Prison Ministry, House on the Rock, TREM and BITS BY MANI.
Their attendance reflected the contributions of religious bodies, private organisations and development partners to initiatives that improve inmates’ access to education and other rehabilitation services.
In his closing remarks, the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections Ebereonwu Ogueri, thanked NOUN, correctional service officials and the supporting organisations for their involvement in the programme.
He commended their continued contributions towards expanding educational access for inmates and advancing rehabilitation efforts within the correctional system.
The Lagos State Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with institutions and organisations that support learning, personal reform and the reintegration of inmates into society.
It added that university education would give inmates the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge, obtain recognised academic credentials and prepare for more productive futures after their release.
The statement was signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corrections Onimisi Osho.
