Enugu Custodial Centre Celebrates as 23 Inmates Earn Degrees from NOUN
23 inmates at the Enugu Custodial Centre achieve academic milestones, earning Master's, first degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas from NOUN, showcasing the transformative power of education in rehabilitation.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, twenty-three inmates at the Enugu Custodial Centre have defied the odds by earning prestigious academic qualifications from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The achievement marks a significant step forward in their rehabilitation and underscores the transformative power of education in correctional facilities.
During a virtual convocation ceremony held at the Enugu Custodial Centre, the State Coordinator of NOUN, Jennifer Nwonyi, proudly presented Master's degrees, first degrees, and a Postgraduate Diploma to the deserving graduates. Five inmates were honored with Master’s degrees, while 17 attained their first degrees, and one individual earned a Postgraduate Diploma, all testament to their commitment to self-improvement.
Jennifer Nwonyi expressed overwhelming joy at the accomplishment of the graduates, emphasizing their perseverance in overcoming the challenges of studying while incarcerated. "I am overwhelmed with joy that God granted these students the grace to successfully complete their studies to become graduates of NOUN," she remarked. "Thank God that these graduates overcame the psychological challenge of attending to the rigors of years of study while being held at the custodial centre."
Echoing Nwonyi's sentiments, Sunday Oyakhire, Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre, extended gratitude to NOUN for organizing the educational programs and providing necessary support to the inmates. The commitment of both the academic institution and the correctional facility underscores a collaborative effort towards rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
Arinzechukwu Onovo, the correctional centre’s Desk Officer for NOUN programs, highlighted the importance of continual pursuit of knowledge in unlocking one's potential. "It is the key to unlock many potentials," Onovo remarked, encouraging the graduates to maintain their thirst for learning beyond their current achievements.
YOU MISSED: ESUT Empowers Over 789 Students with Entrepreneurial Skills and Training
With a greater number of graduates emerging from NOUN courses this year compared to previous years, there is optimism for the continued success of educational initiatives within the custodial facility. The partnership between the correctional center and NOUN offers a beacon of hope for inmates seeking to transform their lives through education, paving the way for a brighter future beyond incarceration.
As the graduates embark on their next chapter, equipped with newfound knowledge and skills, they stand poised to contribute positively to society, proving that with determination and support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Congratulations to the graduates, and may their academic achievements inspire others to pursue education as a pathway to redemption and renewal.
