To encourage learning, and build requisite skills for inmates in preparation for life after incarceration, the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), has called for the education of prisoners by the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), to be made free.
Director, of the Correctional Service Special Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria, Mr Francis Enobore noted the importance of continued government at all levels alongside well-meaning Nigerians to realise the free education policy of NOUN for prisoners in order to enhance sustainability.
He made this call during a courtesy visit to the Controller-General of Corrections, (CG), Haliru Nababa on Wednesday in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), of the Service, Abubakar Umar, the Director stated that the cardinal objective of NOUN is to take quality education to the doorstep of every Nigerian, to learn at their own convenience and pace.
This, he observed, is critical to upscaling the much-needed human capacity development for societal growth.
According to him, NOUN considered the peculiar circumstances of persons behind bars and the limitations in accessing social services hence, the university graciously granted free tuition to inmates to enable them to benefit from the unique learning opportunity provided by the institution.
Enobore said of the 28,740 students that graduated recently from the university, 65 were inmates, including 7 who had Postgraduate degrees.
He, therefore, appealed to State Chief Executives and well-meaning Nigerians, including corporate bodies to support NOUN’s initiatives, which have helped many indigent prisoners to access education even to the doctorate level free of charge.
“NOUN programme runs on an e-education system. Therefore, the provision of computers, reliable sources of power, access to the internet and other sundry requirements are critical in facilitating learning.
“We must note that the character of an ex-convict is more often than not, a reflection of the quality and relevance of the training and reformation package he received while in incarceration,” he stressed.
Commending the CG for placing inmates’ education on the front burner in terms of education, he noted that access to education remains a veritable tool for enduring offenders’ reformation and rehabilitation.
The Director, expressed delight in the quality of work in the recently rehabilitated facilities soon to be commissioned as special study centres.
On his part, Naba said that the NOUN scheme has provided a rare opportunity for the productive engagement of inmates in activities that guarantee socio-economic inclusiveness on discharge.
He stated that his administration is irrevocably committed to providing credible platforms that will support comprehensive reformation and rehabilitation of offenders in custody and are us evident in the robust attention given to education for inmates.
He promised to facilitate the establishment of more university study centres within the year to increase inmates access to the educational package.
Discussion about this post