NOUN Awards Certificates to Inmate Graduates at Port Harcourt, Enugu Correctional Centres
This initiative saw 21 inmates from Port Harcourt and 19 from Enugu formally awarded their degrees, achieved under NOUN’s 100% Tertiary Education Scholarship for incarcerated individuals.
Binye-lum 
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) presented degree certificates to inmate graduates in simultaneous ceremonies held at the Port Harcourt and Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centres on Thursday, October 17, 2024. This initiative saw 21 inmates from Port Harcourt and 19 from Enugu formally awarded their degrees, achieved under NOUN’s 100% Tertiary Education Scholarship for incarcerated individuals.
Dr. Theresa Ucheoma Ettu, Director of NOUN’s Port Harcourt Study Centre, represented Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters. Addressing the graduates, Ettu highlighted the importance of education in personal transformation, urging them to act as ambassadors of NOUN and uphold the morals and values gained. She emphasized NOUN’s commitment to accessible education, stating, "NOUN brings education to all Nigerians, delivering certificates wherever graduates reside."
Deputy Comptroller Mr. Otegbola E. Olaniyi praised the graduates' determination, noting their academic progress despite challenging circumstances. He called on the government to consider pardoning rehabilitated inmates ready to reintegrate into society. Dr. LeBari B. Gboeloh, chairman of the occasion, endorsed the partnership between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), while Pastor Briggs encouraged public support for inmate welfare.
In Enugu, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peters, represented by Mr. Mathew Egede, commended inmates for their achievements. Graduate Ogueri Candy Vincent, who earned an M.Sc. in Peace Studies, expressed gratitude for NOUN’s scholarship, which enabled inmates to pursue higher education while incarcerated.
