The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 36 students at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote education and help inmates return to society.
The ceremony, held on Friday, covered 25 undergraduate students, nine master’s degree students and two PhD candidates, according to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command.
The Controller of Corrections in Lagos State, Daramola George, urged the students to stay disciplined and committed to their studies. He described the opportunity as a pathway to personal growth and better prospects after release.
He encouraged them to make full use of the chance to gain knowledge and recognised qualifications that can help them build productive lives beyond custody.
George said education remains a key part of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s mandate to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates. According to him, it can give them the knowledge, confidence and skills to contribute positively to society.
The event marks another step in the partnership between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service to widen access to higher education in custodial facilities.
The Director of NOUN’s Lagos Study Centre, Victoria Island, Prof. Inua Ofe, welcomed the matriculants into the university community and administered the matriculation oath.
Also present were Raphael Unazi, representing the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Zone A, and Deputy Controller of Corrections, Adebukola Adetula.
Representatives of organisations that support correctional rehabilitation also attended, including Baptist Prison Ministry, House on the Rock, TREM and BITS BY MANI. Their presence showed the role of faith-based groups, private institutions and other partners in supporting inmates’ education and welfare.
In his vote of thanks, the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections Ebereonwu Ogueri, thanked NOUN, the leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the partner organisations for their continued support.
The Lagos State Command said it remains committed to partnerships that promote education and the successful reintegration of inmates. It added that access to higher education will help them broaden their knowledge, earn recognised qualifications and prepare for life after custody.
The statement was signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corrections Onimisi Osho.
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