Fifty-six prison inmates set to graduate from NOUN nationwide on April 18
Fifty-six inmates from correctional centres across Nigeria are scheduled to graduate at the 15th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on April 18, 2026. They join 24,575 other graduates in ceremonies held at NOUN’s study centres nationwide. Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Uduma Uduma announced the figure at a pre‑convocation press briefing in Abuja, calling the programme a deliberate policy of inclusion and second chances. He said NOUN’s Open and Distance Learning model brings lectures into prisons, removing barriers of location and status, and that the inmates’ participation reflects real academic work, not just symbolism. Certificates will be issued immediately after the ceremony, a shift toward faster, student‑focused service. Uduma described the initiative as a “quiet revolution” that uses education for rehabilitation and reintegration, restoring dignity and offering a pathway to rebuild lives after incarceration. He urged stakeholders, especially the media, to continue amplifying the impact of such inclusive education efforts.
What does this mean for Nigeria? It signals that education can be a practical tool for reducing recidivism and strengthening social cohesion by giving offenders a credible chance to contribute after release. The nationwide scale shows the model is replicable, but its success depends on sustained funding and partnership with correctional services. Will you support or advocate for expanding prison education programmes in your state, or see how such second‑chance initiatives could inform other rehabilitation efforts?