The National Open University of Nigeria has matriculated 36 students at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote education, rehabilitation and the reintegration of inmates into society.

The matriculation ceremony, held on Friday, comprised 25 undergraduate students, nine master’s degree students and two Doctor of Philosophy candidates, according to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Daramola George, urged the students to remain disciplined and committed to their studies, describing the opportunity as a pathway to personal development and improved prospects after their release.

He encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to acquire knowledge and recognised qualifications that could help them build productive lives beyond custody.

George said education remained a vital component of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s mandate to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates into society.

He noted that access to education could equip inmates with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to make positive contributions to society.

The ceremony marked another milestone in the partnership between NOUN and the Nigerian Correctional Service to expand access to higher education within custodial facilities.

The Director of NOUN’s Lagos Study Centre, Victoria Island, Prof. Inua Ofe, formally welcomed the matriculants into the university community and administered the matriculation oath.

Also, present were the representative of the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Zone A, Raphael Unazi, and a Deputy Controller of Corrections, Adebukola Adetula.

The event also attracted representatives of organisations supporting correctional rehabilitation, including Baptist Prison Ministry, House on the Rock, TREM and BITS BY MANI.

Their participation highlighted the role of faith-based organisations, private institutions and other development partners in supporting educational opportunities and the welfare of inmates.

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 Nigerian Correctional Service and the partner organisations for their continued support.

He acknowledged their contributions to the educational development of inmates and efforts to strengthen rehabilitation within the correctional system.

The Lagos State Command said it remained committed to partnerships that promoted education, reformation, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

The command 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.