Fifty-six inmates across various correctional facilities in Nigeria are among thousands of students expected to graduate with academic qualifications during the upcoming convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The graduates form part of a total of 24,575 students scheduled to be awarded degrees and certificates at the institution’s 15th convocation ceremony, billed for April 18 and taking place across multiple study centres nationwide.
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Uduma Uduma, confirmed the participation of the inmates while addressing journalists in Abuja, noting that they successfully completed their academic programmes while serving their sentences.
He explained that the inmates were able to study through the university’s flexible distance learning system, which allows lectures, assignments, and examinations to be conducted within correctional facilities.
According to him, the inclusion of incarcerated students reflects the university’s commitment to expanding access to education and ensuring that learning is available to all, regardless of circumstance.
Uduma stressed that the initiative is driven by the belief that education plays a key role in rehabilitation and reintegration, adding that it helps restore dignity and offers individuals a chance to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
He also noted that the participation of inmates in the convocation is a true reflection of academic achievement, not a symbolic gesture, as they met all requirements like other graduating students.
All graduating students, including those in custodial centres, are expected to participate in the ceremony from their respective locations, with certificates to be issued immediately after the event.
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