The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, announcing that 56 inmates from correctional centres across the country will graduate at its 15th convocation ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor, Uduma Uduma, disclosed this on Tuesday during a pre-convocation briefing in Abuja. He described the initiative as a deliberate effort to promote inclusion, offer second chances, and drive national transformation through access to education.
According to him, the inmates are part of the 24,575 students expected to graduate at the ceremony scheduled for April 18, which will be held simultaneously across NOUN study centres nationwide. He noted that their participation highlights the university’s wide reach and its commitment to making education accessible to all segments of society.
Uduma emphasised that the programme is rooted in the belief that no individual is beyond redemption. He stressed that education remains a fundamental right, regardless of personal circumstances, including incarceration.
He explained that NOUN’s Open and Distance Learning model has enabled the university to extend its academic programmes into correctional facilities, breaking barriers related to location and social status. This approach, he said, ensures that inmates can pursue higher education while serving their sentences.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the inmates’ graduation is not merely symbolic but a reflection of genuine academic achievement and personal growth. He noted that the initiative goes beyond awarding certificates, focusing on restoring dignity, rebuilding identity, and reaffirming the humanity of those involved.
Uduma further stated that the programme aligns with NOUN’s broader mandate of expanding educational access and ensuring that no group is excluded from learning opportunities. He described education as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and reintegration, giving inmates a pathway to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
The convocation is expected to showcase the university’s ongoing efforts to redefine access to education in Nigeria.
