52 inmates matriculate into NOUN, Bible College at Abeokuta Correctional Centre
Inmates Matriculate in Collaborative Educational Ceremony
In a notable event on Friday, a joint matriculation ceremony was held for inmates at a correctional facility, organized in partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the West African College for Christian Missions.
Of the 52 inmates participating in the ceremony, 26 were accepted into NOUN, while the remaining 26 gained admission to the West African College for Christian Missions. Thematic focus of the event was “Unlocking Potentials for Life After Incarceration Through Education: Resilience and Reintegration.”
Abiyoye Kamoru Adesina, Controller of Corrections in Ogun State, highlighted the significance of the matriculation for the inmates, referring to it as a symbol of hope, development, rehabilitation, and reintegration. He acknowledged the myriad challenges faced by correctional facilities in providing educational and vocational training opportunities and called on the government, philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders for increased support.
“We have a lot of challenges, but we thank God,” Adesina said. “That is the main reason why I used to tell the public that government alone cannot do everything for us. We need help from philanthropists, NGOs, and other stakeholders.” He further urged the government to bolster its support for the Correctional Service to fulfill its mandate of reformation and reintegration.
During his address, Adesina encouraged the newly admitted inmates to utilize their educational opportunity to prepare for life after incarceration.
Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, represented at the event by ministry director Abosede Odulesi, considered the ceremony a symbol of hope and transformation, underscoring the notion that education transcends boundaries. He announced that the ministry had sponsored 14 eligible inmates to sit for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to ensure no individual is left behind, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Arigbabu urged the matriculating inmates to approach their studies with discipline, dedication, and a commitment to academic excellence. “Let your present circumstances inspire you to build a brighter future,” he advised. “Education equips you with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible and productive members of society.”
He also encouraged other inmates to seize available opportunities for vocational training and enhanced educational qualifications, emphasizing that their current situations do not need to dictate their futures.
Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), shared his own story of a six-year detention at Agodi Prison from 1987 to 1993. He inspired the inmates to view their confinement not as a limitation but as a catalyst for educational pursuit. “Education is a gateway to society,” he said, emphasizing the importance of dedication to their studies.
The ceremony concluded with a keynote address from Oba Lukman Kuoye, the Olu of Imasayi, who encouraged the inmates to prioritize education, reinforcing that their confinement should not deter their aspirations.
