Five inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja have earned degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) . The inmates were awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees in Peace and Conflict Resolution, as part of the prison’s effort to provide educational opportunities for inmates.

In addition to the five graduates, 200 other inmates have enrolled in various degree programmes at NOUN.

During the presentation of certificates to the graduates on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, said education was a powerful means of reforms.

“Education is transformative and a powerful rehabilitative tool for development in every society. Therefore, with these certificates, they are fit to compete anywhere without being stigmatised.

“We appreciate the National Open University of Nigeria for their unwavering support to the correctional service all over the federation in ensuring that inmates are reformed through education. Over 200 inmates have enrolled in tertiary education in the Kuje centre alone.

“We encourage other inmates of the facility to take advantage of this free education and other vocational skills to equip themselves for success in larger society upon release,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, NOUN, Prof Olufemi Peters, the National Coordinator, Special Study Centres, Modupe Adesina, encouraged the 200 inmates to make the best of the opportunity that had been provided through the partnership between the Nigerian Correctional Service and NOUN, to improve and empower themselves.