The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has expanded its correctional education programme with the inauguration of a Special Custodial Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The facility, inaugurated recently, becomes NOUN’s 22nd study centre within correctional facilities nationwide, reinforcing the university’s commitment to providing higher education opportunities for inmates as part of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Speaking through the Registrar, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, described the development as another milestone in the university’s mission to make quality tertiary education accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of circumstance.
He said the expansion reflected NOUN’s commitment to ensuring higher education remained available to all citizens, including those in correctional centres.
The Vice Chancellor commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for supporting the initiative, noting that the governor’s representation at the inauguration by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, demonstrated the state’s commitment to education, rehabilitation and human capital development.
He also thanked the longstanding partnership between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, as well as the Bayelsa State Command.
Prof Uduma acknowledged the contributions of Mr John Sambo, Director of Domestic Affairs, Government House, Bayelsa State, and Mrs. Onyinyechi Sambo through The Estive Sambo Foundation for their advocacy in securing government support for the study centre.
Addressing inmate-students, he urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to transform their lives and prepare for successful reintegration into society.
He described the study centre as an investment in their future, saying the education they would receive would provide them with academic qualifications, confidence, values and skills needed to become productive citizens after serving their sentences.
The Vice Chancellor added that the centre should serve as a place where inmates could renew their aspirations and redefine their future.
