NOUN MATRICULATES 36 INMATES AT IKỌYI CUSTODIAL CENTRE

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 36 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote education, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

The matriculation ceremony, held on Friday, featured 25 undergraduate students, nine master’s degree students and two Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates, according to a statement issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State Command.

Speaking at the event, the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Daramola George, urged the newly matriculated students to remain disciplined and dedicated to their studies, describing education as an opportunity for personal growth and better prospects after their release.

George encouraged the inmates to maximise the opportunity to acquire knowledge and recognised qualifications that would enable them to lead productive lives beyond custody.

He emphasised that education remained a key component of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s mandate to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates into society.

According to him, access to education equips inmates with the knowledge, confidence and skills required to make meaningful contributions to society.

The ceremony marked another milestone in the partnership between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service to expand access to higher education within custodial facilities.

The Director of NOUN’s Lagos Study Centre in Victoria Island, Professor Inua Ofe, formally welcomed the matriculants into the university community and administered the matriculation oath.

Other dignitaries at the event included Raphael Unazi, who represented the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Zone A, and Deputy Controller of Corrections Adebukola Adetula.

Representatives of organisations supporting correctional rehabilitation were also present, including Baptist Prison Ministry, House on the Rock, TREM and BITS BY MANI.

Their participation underscored the contributions of faith-based organisations, private institutions and development partners to educational opportunities and the welfare of inmates.

In his vote of thanks, the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections Ebereonwu Ogueri, expressed appreciation to NOUN, the leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the partner organisations for their continued support.

Ogueri acknowledged their contributions to the educational advancement of inmates and efforts to strengthen rehabilitation programmes within the correctional system.

The Lagos State Command reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships that promote education, reformation, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

It added that access to higher education would enable inmates to expand their knowledge, obtain recognised qualifications and prepare for productive lives after their release.

The statement was signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corrections Onimisi Osho.