A simultaneous ceremony to hand-over certificates to dozens of inmate graduates at the Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Enugu, has been held on on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
The graduates belong to the Special Custodial Study Centres of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
A total of 21 inmates who received their certificates in Port Harcourt among the teeming correctional centre (inmates) beneficiaries of NOUN's 100% Tertiary Education Scholarship for inmates of custodial centres nationwide.
They were awarded first and postgraduate degrees during the 13th Convocation Ceremony of the university earlier held on April 13, 2024.
The Director, Port Harcourt Study Centre of the university, Dr. Theresa Ucheoma Ettu, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, on the occasion, explained that she was not at the facility to conduct a convocation ceremony but to distribute diploma and degree certificates which had already been conferred on the inmate graduates during the last Convocation Ceremony in April.
Ettu, while explaining the uniqueness of NOUN as an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, said "You all will agree with me that NOUN is one of the best things that have happened to Nigeria's educational sector.
“NOUN has not only brought education to the doorstep of all Nigerians, but also delivers the certificates of her graduates into their hands at their comfort zones, homes, offices and at any place. This is in conformity to NOUN motto: 'Learn at any place at your pace.'"
She charged the inmate graduates to exemplify their moral transformation as worthy ambassadors of the university and warned that the university reserved the right to withdraw its certificates from errant graduates of the institution.
The Centre Director admonished other inmates to take advantage of the noble gesture of the university and seize the opportunity afforded them to embrace learning for personal transformation.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the facility, Mr. Otegbola E. Olaniyi, who spoke through his second in command, Deputy Comptroller D. I. Amabebe, commended the resilience and dedication of the graduates.
"Your journey, I am sure, has been one of challenges and sacrifices, but more importantly, it has been a journey of self-discovery, growth and personal transformation.
"In the face of adversity and within the walls of this correctional facility, you have shown remarkable dedication, focus and resilience in pursuing your education.
“You have demonstrated that even when circumstances are not ideal, with determination and the right opportunities, great things can be achieved," Olaniyi said.
He appealed to the government "to consider the possibility of granting pardon or early release to these individuals who have shown that they are rehabilitated and prepared to reintegrate into society."
On his part, chairman of the occasion, Dr. LeBari B. Gboeloh, said "I endorse the beautiful synergy between the management of the National Open University of Nigeria and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and pray for its sustenance."
He also called on both the federal and state governments in Nigeria "to activate their prerogative of mercy and grant pardon" to the graduates who have demonstrated that they have been reformed and reintegrate them into the society.
The Vice-President, Concerned NGOs, Pastor Briggs, called on good-spirited Nigerians to demonstrate their large-heartedness in donating to the "welfare and health" of the inmates.
The students' leader, Mr. MacPherson Uchendu, in his vote of thanks, observed that the Port Harcourt Custodial Centre boasts of the highest number of inmate graduates in all the Special Study Centres of the Nigerian Correctional Service across the nation this year.
The event also featured talent show and cultural dance by male and female inmates respectively.
In Enugu, a total number of 19 inmate graduates out of the 22 at the Special Study Centre, Enugu Correctional Service in Enugu State, received their certificates.
The inmates were among the graduates who were awarded with first and postgraduates degrees during the university's 13th Convocation Ceremony.
While presenting the certificates to inmates, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, who was represented by the centre's Principal Assistant Registrar, Mr. Mathew Egede, commended them that against all odds they have added value to their lives by upgrading themselves academically while being incarcerated in the correctional Centre.
He also charged them to be good ambassadors of NOUN at the expiration of their jail term.
While delivering a vote of thanks, one of the graduates, Mr. Ogueri Candy Vincent, who bagged an M.Sc in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution, applauded the Federal Government of Nigeria and the VC of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, for 100% free education accorded to them to upgrade themselves educationally while in prison custody.
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