11 prisoners graduate from NOUN, 50 others matriculate in Enugu
Eleven prisoners from the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in its 2022–2023 Academic Year, while 50 freshmen matriculated at a ceremony in Enugu.
In an address on Thursday at the 12th Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony at the center, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr. Nicholas Obiakor, charged the students, who are inmates, to ensure that their higher education and academic discipline are reflected in all they do.
Obiakor, represented by an Assistant Controller of Corrections, Mr. James Abonyi, appreciated the Controller General (CG) of Corrections, Mr. 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 long as he or she indicates interest and commitment.
“I want to commend our amiable CG for turning this correctional center from a punitive ground to a place of exceptional reformation that is an envy of all as highly educationally qualified students are churned up here yearly.
“I want to appreciate the Commander-in-Chief and the President, who through NOUN have provided a free-of-charge learning platform for all inmates wishing to enroll for university education, as well as non-governmental organizations, foundations, and individuals that have supported inmates’ education.
“For our students, I want you to take advantage of this golden opportunity to get to the top and be the best in your chosen academic endeavor, even as I urge you to shun vices and examination malpractices but be highly focused,” he said.
One of the graduates, Mr. Eze Utama, commended the Federal Government, the CG of Corrections, Mr. Nababa, and the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Peters, for providing quality education free-of-charge at their doorsteps and taking special interest in their reformation.
The highlights of the event were the oath taking by matriculating students, which was administered by Enugu NOUN Centre Director, Prof. Onyia, represented by Mr. Matthew Egede; the cutting of the convocation and matriculation cake; and cultural displays.
