LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Five inmates of the Kuje Custodial Centre have bagged university degrees in various disciplines, and 200 others reportedly enrol at the National Open University of Nigeria.
Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduands in Abuja on 17 July, the Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, described education as a potent means of rehabilitation.
He further expressed confidence that the inmates could compete favourably with their counterparts without stigmatization.
READ ALSO: 18-Year-Old New Mom Released From Prison On Compassionate Grounds
“Education is transformative and a powerful rehabilitative tool for development in every society. Therefore, with these certificates, they are fit to compete anywhere without being stigmatized.
“We appreciate the National Open University of Nigeria for their unwavering support to the correctional service all over the federation in ensuring that inmates are reformed through education. Over 200 inmates have enrolled in tertiary education in the Kuje centre alone.
“We encourage other inmates of the facility to take advantage of this free education and other vocational skills to equip themselves for success in larger society upon release,” he said.
He pledged continuous partnership with the institution in curbing insecurity in the country.