52 inmates of Abeokuta Correctional Centre matriculate into NOUN, Bible College

Fifty-two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, on Friday, matriculated into various programmes of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the West African College for Christian Missions.

This is part of the move aimed at unlocking potentials for life after incarceration.

The joint matriculation was held at the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre, Ibara, with the theme “Unlocking Potentials for Life After Incarceration Through Education, Resilience and Reintegration.”

The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abiyoye Kamoru Adesina, said the matriculation represents happiness, development, rehabilitation and reintegration for the inmates.

Adesina said the programme aligns with the 2019 Correctional Act, which prioritises reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

He, however, lamented challenges facing the centre in providing skills and education for inmates, calling for support from 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 support for the Correctional Service to fully implement the mandate of reformation and reintegration, while urging 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, in his address, described the event as 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 no one is 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.

ALSO READ: Tinubu’s reforms necessary to save Nigeria from economic collapse — Ex-NDA commandant

“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, Center for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, who shared his personal experience of six years’ detention at Agodi Prison, Ibadan, between 1987 and 1993, charged the inmates not to allow the walls to limit their future.

Olujobi described education as an access tag 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 restricted within the four walls of the correctional centre should not deter them but should spur them to make education a priority.