From Enugu.
At least 120 inmates of Enugu Custodial Centre have gained admission to study at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at Enugu Custodial Centre as criminal elements let loose hundreds of their colleagues at Kuje Custodian Centre during attack.
The Controller General of Corrections, Mr Haliru Nababa, who addressed the inmates during their matriculation and convocation at the NOUN special study centre, said that 11 inmates performed their convocation.
Represented by the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Nicholas Obiako,Nababa expressed delight that the inmates were graduating with flying colours from various courses at the university.
“My administration is focused on using education as a viable tool for reformation and re-orientation of the inmates.
“The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) under my watch has committed available resources to ensure that inmates develop themselves while in custody to ensure public protection.
He thanked non-governmental organizations, faith-based organisations and NOUN for their partnership with the Service over these years.
Contributing, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Director, Enugu Special Study Centre, Prof. Alexander Onyia, administered the oath of allegiance on the newly admitted inmates.
Peters cautioned the matriculating inmates to be of good behaviour and shun acts capable of truncating their educational pursuit.
The vice chancellor also presented first degree certificates to 11 graduating inmates of the centre.
Later, the Officer in-charge of Enugu Custodial Centre, Mr Joseph Usifo, commended the inmates for the educational feat they have attained.
Usifo, who is a Deputy Controller of Corrections, urged other inmates to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Controller-General of Corrections to better their lots educationally.
Our Correspondent reports that representatives of state Ministry of Justice, National Directorate of Employment, state Ministry of Education, Federal Road Safety Corps and Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) graced the occasion.
Others are: Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ekereoku, Executive Director of Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) and Dr Clinton Kanu as well as Theophilus Adeniyi, who is presently writing his PhD thesis at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
