The matriculation ceremony, which brought together students pursuing undergraduate, master’s and doctoral qualifications, underscored ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to use education as a tool for reformation, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Command of the NCoS, the newly admitted students comprised 25 undergraduates, nine master’s degree candidates and two Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates.
Speaking at the event, the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Daramola George, urged the matriculants to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their academic pursuits, describing the opportunity as an important pathway to personal growth and improved prospects after their release.
He encouraged the students to maximise the opportunity to acquire knowledge and recognised qualifications that could help them establish productive and meaningful lives beyond custody.
George emphasised that education remained a vital component of the correctional service’s mandate, noting that access to learning could equip inmates with the knowledge, confidence and skills required to make positive contributions to society.
The ceremony marked another milestone in the partnership between NOUN and the NCoS, which seeks to expand access to higher education within custodial facilities and provide inmates with opportunities for intellectual development while serving their sentences.
The Director of NOUN’s Lagos Study Centre in Victoria Island, Prof. Inua Ofe, formally welcomed the matriculants into the university community and administered the matriculation oath, marking their official entry into the institution.
Among the dignitaries present were Raphael Unazi, who represented the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Zone A, and the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Adebukola Adetula.
The event also attracted representatives of organisations involved in supporting correctional rehabilitation, including Baptist Prison Ministry, House on the Rock, TREM and BITS BY MANI.
Their participation highlighted the contributions of faith-based organisations, private institutions and other development partners to initiatives aimed at improving inmates’ welfare, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening rehabilitation efforts within the correctional system.
In his vote of thanks, the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections Ebereonwu Ogueri, expressed appreciation to NOUN, the leadership of the NCoS and the supporting organisations for their continued commitment to the educational advancement of inmates.
Ogueri acknowledged the contributions of the various partners to the development of inmates and their efforts to reinforce rehabilitation through access to education and other supportive initiatives.
The Lagos State Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining partnerships that promote education, reformation, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
It added that access to higher education would enable inmates to broaden their knowledge, earn recognised qualifications and prepare for productive lives after custody.
The statement was signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corrections Onimisi Osho.