The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) conducted a matriculation ceremony for 18 inmates from the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Abeokuta. This event, held at the Old Abeokuta Correctional Centre in Ibara, Abeokuta, was attended by officials from both NOUN’s Abeokuta Study Centre and the Correctional Centre.
During the ceremony, Haliru Nababa, the Controller General of Correctional Service, advised the matriculated inmates to make the most of the academic program and develop expertise in their chosen fields. Represented by ACC Oriyemi Taiwo, Nababa emphasized that the program is entirely cost-free, urging the matriculants to concentrate on their education for a brighter future.
He encouraged them to enlighten fellow inmates about the importance of training, be it in education or vocational skills, so that they can leave the center better equipped and become valuable members of society.
Nababa reiterated that the correctional service actively supports inmates in acquiring various skills that will benefit their lives and society at large.
AbdulAkeem Awesu, the Welfare Officer of Abeokuta Correctional Centre, stated that in Ogun State, 119 inmates are pursuing different courses at the Abeokuta Study Centre of NOUN, with an additional 162 having successfully graduated from the College of Education.
“In 2018, 44 inmates sat for NECO Examination and all of them performed excellently. Since then, inmates have been participating in NECO Examinations at this center. This year, our goal is to have 120 inmates take the examination. Additionally, the command collaborates with NABTEB, and some inmates are involved in various vocational training and empowerment programs.”
