Inmate graduates receive certificates as VC matriculates new ones in Enugu

A total of ten (10) out of fourteen (14) prison inmate graduates were presented with their certificates on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Special Study Centre, Nigeria Correctional Service, Enugu, Enugu State.

The Vice-Chancellor, National  Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the National Coordinator for the Special Study Centres, Modupe Adesina, said the inmate graduates were part of those who graduated during the 12th Convocation Ceremony of  the university held both online and physical on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the university's headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

Peters, while commending the inmate graduates for their sheer determination against all odds, stated that the NOUN's free education runs through PhD level.

He therefore charged them to make the best use of the opportunity to further their education while behind bars so that at the end of their prison terms they can become useful to themselves, family and the society at large.

Similarly, the Controller of Correction Service, Enugu State Command, Nicholas Obiakor, represented by the Acc James Abonyi, congratulated the inmate graduates for their unwavering commitment and advised the matriculating ones to learn from the steadfastness and commitment of their seniors.   

The Desk Officer of the centre, Kelvin Iloafonsi, took time to explain the centre’s achievements, which, among others, are: increased students enrollment, the first graduate of the centre is currently writing his PhD thesis at UNN, graduation of 14 prison inmate graduates which comprises both undergraduates and postgraduates, partnership with some Non-Governmental Organisations that rendered numerous assistance to the inmate students.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for the provision of 100 sets of brand new computers and desks to the centre.

In the same vein, as part of the university's 24th Matriculation Ceremony, fifty new inmate students from the centre were matriculated.

The matriculating oath was administered by Enugu Study Centre director,  Prof. Alexander Uche Onyia, who was represented by the centre’s PAR, Mr. Mathew Egede.