The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has expanded its correctional education programme with the inauguration of a new Special Custodial Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The facility, inaugurated on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 marks NOUN's 22nd study centre located within correctional facilities across the country.
This reinforces the university's commitment to expanding access to higher education for incarcerated persons as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and social inclusion.
Speaking through the university's Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, described the development as another significant milestone in the university's mission to make quality tertiary education accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of circumstance.
"With the commissioning of this Special Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Yenagoa, NOUN now has 22 special study centres serving correctional facilities across the country," the Vice-Chancellor said.
"This steady expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that quality higher education remains accessible to every Nigerian, irrespective of circumstance."
Prof. Uduma expressed appreciation to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for supporting the initiative.
He noted that although the governor was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, his participation underscored the state's commitment to education, rehabilitation, and human capital development.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the longstanding partnership between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, as well as the Bayelsa State Command of the Service.
He further acknowledged the contributions of Mr. John Sambo, Director of Domestic Affairs, Government House, Bayelsa State, and Mrs. Onyinyechi Sambo through The Estive Sambo Foundation (ESF), whose advocacy helped mobilise government support for the establishment of the study centre.
Addressing the inmate-students, Prof. Uduma urged them to embrace the opportunity as a pathway to personal transformation and successful reintegration into society.
"This Study Centre is an investment in your future," he said. "I encourage you to seize this opportunity with determination, discipline, and integrity. The education you receive here will equip you not only with academic qualifications but also with the confidence, values, and skills required to become productive citizens upon your return to society."
He added that the study centre should become "the place where your aspirations are renewed and your future redefined."
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the education and correctional sectors, including the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, who officially commissioned the facility on behalf of Governor Douye Diri; the Bayelsa State Comptroller of Corrections, Baranaye Spiff Segun; the Director of Learner Support Services, NOUN, Prof. Tessy Angba; the Acting Director of the Yenagoa Study Centre, Dr. Mathias Jarikre; and the Acting Director of the Patani Study Centre, Prince Douye Koroye.
The inauguration further strengthens NOUN's commitment to inclusive education and reinforces the principle that access to learning remains a powerful tool for rehabilitation, reintegration, and national development—even within correctional institutions.
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