No fewer than six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre situated at Kuje, Abuja, have been awarded degree certificates from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The inmates completed various NOUN programmes, earning two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, alongside four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.
The presentation ceremony held at correctional facility, was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, detailing the academic accomplishments recorded during custody.
Speaking during the event, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the graduates for their discipline and perseverance, describing their academic success as evidence that incarceration can be redirected towards positive transformation and future productivity.
Nwakuche who was represented by his Deputy, Amos Kupan, said the achievement reflected sustained collaboration between the correctional service and educational institutions, reinforcing the view that learning equips inmates with tools for lawful livelihoods, restored dignity and responsible citizenship after release.
According to him, education builds capacity and proves incarceration “is not a dead end but an opportunity for growth and reintegration,” adding that the Service remains committed to structured learning opportunities.
“The Service will continue to foster skills and educational opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and a better future after release,” he said.
Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen congratulated the graduates, urging them to become positive ambassadors of the custodial centre and to maximise their certificates for self-improvement and long-term reintegration.
Representing the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr. Francis Enobore, described the initiative as a pathway of hope, praising 13 years of partnership that has expanded educational access within correctional facilities.
Enobore said NOUN’s open and distance learning model enables marginalised populations to study, stressing that the graduates demonstrated how education restores dignity, equips individuals and supports meaningful re-entry into society.
Speaking for the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Correctional Service and NOUN leadership, saying the learning experience restored purpose and ensured their years in custody were productive and impactful.
The event also featured counselling sessions on re-entry, skill development and community reintegration, with the graduates pledging to model positive change and contribute constructively to society upon release.
