Fifty-six inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service will participate in the upcoming convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to inclusive education.
The inmates, who were awarded scholarships to pursue various degree programmes, are among the 24,575 students set to graduate during the ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Ucham Oji, described the initiative as a powerful reflection of the institution’s philosophy of expanding access to education.
According to him, the graduating class comprises 17,474 undergraduate students, 1,788 postgraduate diploma holders, 5,282 master’s degree recipients, and 31 doctoral graduates.
He further noted that female students make up the majority of the graduating cohort, a development he said underscores the diminishing gender barriers in access to higher education and highlights the university’s role in empowering women through knowledge.
Professor Oji added that the university remains committed to enhancing student support systems, strengthening research capacity, investing in staff development, and building strategic partnerships to boost its national relevance and global visibility.
He emphasised that the institution’s mission goes beyond academics, stating that NOUN is not only educating students but also restoring hope, rebuilding identity, and reaffirming humanity.
