NCoS: Inmate bags twin degrees in custody

NCoS: Inmate bags twin degrees in custody

It was jubilation galore at the  presentation of degree certificates to an inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre Awka today 29th June 2021. The event which took place at the Custodial Centre saw the National Open University of Nigeria presenting twin certificates of Post Graduate Diploma(PGD) and Master in Science(MSc) certificates in Information Technology to one Mr. Jude Onwuzulike.

Recall that the NCoS and NOUN had been in partnership for over a decade now to bring university education to inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service.  Jude,  a lifer, in Awka Custodial Centre upon admission, keyed into the opportunity provided, enrolled and embarked on vigorous study with a resolve not to be discouraged by incarceration  from actualizing his dream in life. His resolve and efforts were crowned with success that led to the ceremony today, where he was presented with the twin certificates.

Presenting the certificates at the Awka Medium Security Custodial Centre, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Felix Edoka, represented by the deputy Registrar academics, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, extolled the resilience of the inmate and encouraged others to make judicious use of their time in custody, by emulating the spirit of the graduate inmate.

On her on part, the Director Awka Study Centre of NOUN, Assoc. Prof. S.N. Ezeribe, thanked the Controller General of Correctional Service,  Haliru Nababa mni, for the opportunity given them to partner with the NCoS in joining forces to reform inmates through distant learning programmes.

Controller of Corrections Anambra State Command, Pat. Chukwuemeka fsi, represented by the officer in charge Awka Custodial Centre, DCC Okonkwo Harry, thanked the Controller General for the opportunity extended to the inmates and the NOUN team for their relentless efforts and unalloyed commitment to this cause. He reiterated the passion of the CGC to seeing that the inmates are given every opportunity within the ambit of the law, to actualize their academic and vocational potentials while in custody.

The inmate recipient on his own part, was full of joy and gratitude to God Almighty, the Correctional Service and to all who assisted him in one way or the other to achieve his heart desire. He admonished other inmates to enrol into the university and become what they want to be in life.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the desk officer Nigerian Correctional Service Anambra State Command study centre, DSC Nwokoye H.C. PhD appreciated the Controller General for the opportunity to serve and to all who came to celebrate with the recipient. He promised that he will continue to do all within his capability to produce more inmates graduates from the Awka NCoS study centre.

SC Ekezie Francis
Command Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Correctional Service Anambra State Command