No fewer than 52 inmates at the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre, Ibara, Ogun State, have matriculated into two tertiary institutions in a move aimed at unlocking their potential for life after incarceration.
The joint matriculation ceremony, held on Friday, was organised in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the West African College for Christian Missions.
Of the 52 inmates, 26 were admitted into NOUN, while the remaining 26 were admitted into the West African College for Christian Missions.
Speaking with Daily Post at the ceremony, themed “Unlocking Potentials for Life After Incarceration Through Education: Resilience and Reintegration,” the Controller of Corrections in Ogun State, Abiyoye Kamoru Adesina, said the matriculation represented hope, development, rehabilitation and reintegration for the inmates.
Adesina said the programme aligned with the Correctional Service Act 2019, which prioritises the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
He, however, lamented the challenges facing the centre in providing education and skills acquisition opportunities for inmates, calling for support from the government, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.
“We have a lot of challenges, but we thank God. That is the main reason why I used to tell the public that government alone cannot do everything for us. We need help from philanthropists, NGOs and other stakeholders,” he said.
The controller appealed to the government to increase its support for the Correctional Service to enable it to fully implement its mandate of reformation and reintegration.
He also urged the matriculating inmates to make good use of the opportunity to prepare for life after custody.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, described the event as a symbol of hope and transformation, noting that education has no boundaries.
Arigbabu, who was represented by Abosede Odulesi, a director in the ministry, disclosed that the ministry sponsored 14 eligible inmates to sit for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), as part of efforts to ensure that no one was left behind in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
He encouraged the matriculating inmates to embrace the opportunity with discipline, dedication and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
“Let your present circumstances inspire you to build a brighter future. Remember that education goes beyond obtaining certificates; it equips you with the knowledge, skills and values needed to become responsible and productive members of society.
“To other inmates, I urge you not to allow your present circumstances to extinguish your dreams and aspirations.
“Take advantage of available opportunities to acquire vocational skills, improve your educational qualifications and prepare yourselves for a productive future. Your present situation does not have to define your tomorrow.”
On his part, the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, who shared his personal experience of six years of detention at Agodi Prison, Ibadan, between 1987 and 1993, urged the inmates not to allow the walls of the correctional centre to limit their future.
Olujobi described education as a gateway to society, urging the inmates to take their studies seriously and allow education to shape their character.
Earlier, in his keynote address, the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukman Kuoye, said being confined within the walls of the correctional centre should not discourage the inmates but should instead spur them to make education a priority.
52 inmates matriculate into NOUN, Bible College at Abeokuta Correctional Centre