The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has strengthened its correctional education initiative with the inauguration of a Special Custodial Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The newly inaugurated facility is the university’s 22nd study centre located within correctional facilities across Nigeria, further advancing its goal of expanding access to higher education for inmates as part of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, at the inauguration, the Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, described the new centre as another major achievement in NOUN’s effort to make quality tertiary education available to all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the establishment of the facility reflects the university’s continued commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible to every citizen, including those serving sentences in correctional centres.

Prof. Uduma praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for backing the initiative. He noted that the governor’s participation through the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, underscored the state government’s dedication to education, rehabilitation, and human capital development.

He also acknowledged the enduring collaboration between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, alongside the support of the Bayelsa State Command in making the programme possible.

The Vice-Chancellor further recognised the efforts of Mr. John Sambo, Director of Domestic Affairs, Government House, Bayelsa State, and Mrs. Onyinyechi Sambo, through The Estive Sambo Foundation, for their advocacy in securing government support for the establishment of the study centre.

Addressing inmate-students, Prof. Uduma encouraged them to embrace the educational opportunity as a pathway to personal transformation and successful reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

He described the new study centre as an investment in their future, explaining that the education provided would equip them with academic qualifications, confidence, values, and practical skills needed to become productive members of society.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the facility should inspire inmates to renew their ambitions and redefine their future through education.

Source: Leadership.ng