NOUN Graduate Inmate Pleads for Pardon to Contribute to National Development

An inmate at the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre, who recently achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Public Administration through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has made an earnest plea to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The graduate, who is also the student leader within the facility, requested the invocation of the government's prerogative of mercy to grant them and their colleagues pardon. The goal is to allow them to be reintegrated into society, harness their newly acquired skills and learning, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the country.

The plea was made during a certificate presentation ceremony on Thursday, November 20, 2025, for 24 inmates who were unable to attend the general convocation ceremony. The graduate expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government and the management of NOUN for the opportunity to access tertiary education entirely through scholarship.