11 inmates from the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in its 2022/2023 Academic session.

50 fresh students also matriculated at a ceremony in Enugu.

In an address on Thursday at the 12th Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony at the centre, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Nicholas Obiakor, charged the students, who are inmates, to reflect their education in their actions.

Mr Obiakor, represented by an Assistant Controller of Corrections, James Abonyi, appreciated the Controller General (CG) of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, for the educational platform and enabling environment to reform the 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 inmates.

“I want to commend our amiable CG for turning this correctional centre 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, has provided a free-of-charge learning platform for all inmates wishing to enrol for university education as well as non-governmental organisations, 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 endeavour, even as I urge you to shun vices and examination malpractices but be highly focused,” he said.

Issuing the degree certificates to the graduating students, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, congratulated both the graduating and matriculating students for choosing a path that “will guarantee their future in the society”.

Mr Peters, represented by the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Modupe Adesina, said that 66 inmates from different custodial centres in the country graduated this year with Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre having 11.

“You should take the advantage of this opportunity provided by the Federal Government, through NOUN, as you can take your academic pursuit to the Doctorate Degree level without paying a dime.

“It is clear that with your academic reforms and higher educational attainment, you future is very bright and the sky is your starting point for your greatness and exploits in life when you leave here,” he said.