Daud Olatunji
The correctional facility in Old Abeokuta witnessed a remarkable event as 13 inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Service graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at the special study center within the facility.
The graduates, who embarked on their academic journey despite being incarcerated, were celebrated for their perseverance and achievement, reflecting the potential for transformation through education.
At the graduation ceremony, key stakeholders emphasized the importance of education in rehabilitating inmates and reducing recidivism.
The programme was sponsored by a Non Governmental organisation ,Let us Pray Foundation among others .
Representing the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, one of Chiefs in the kingdom, Olusola Adeoye, pointed out the pivotal role of parenting in shaping society.
He stressed that when parents fail to properly raise their children, it leads to societal problems rooted in deviant behavior.
“Charity begins at home. The more we fulfill our duties as parents, the less societal issues we will face,” Adeoye remarked.
He urged parents to give quality attention to their children to avoid societal issues caused by deviant behavior, adding that without character, academic achievements such as a PhD are rendered meaningless.
Kunle Adegboyega, Director of the Abeokuta study center of NOUN, emphasized that the degrees awarded to the inmates are a testament to their moral transformation.
He noted that certificates could be revoked if the graduates engage in misconduct after their release.
Adegboyega also addressed the issue of stigmatization, appealing to the public not to label the graduates based on their past but to recognize their efforts to reform.
“For them to have gone through the training and earned certificates, they must have changed,” he said.
Ayodeji Saliu Adepoju, the Comptroller of Corrections for Ogun State, reiterated the transformative power of education in correctional facilities.
He emphasized that learning has positively influenced the inmates, shaping their thinking and behavior. However, he called for more support from the government, noting that 80% of the inmates at the Ogun facility are indigenes of the state.
“We need help, and the federal government cannot do it alone,” Adepoju said.
He appealed to stakeholders, including the Ogun State government, to provide further assistance to enhance the correctional programs.
Superintendent Owolola Odukoya, Public Relations Officer of the state Correctional Service, highlighted the ongoing educational initiatives championed by the Controller General of Corrections.
He called for more collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations to support the rehabilitation efforts.
“Rehabilitation is not just a journey; it is the beginning of a new life,” Odukoya said, noting that the correctional facility even has students pursuing master’s degrees and PhDs.
Odukoya also advocated the establishment of halfway homes to help reintegrate the inmates into society after their release.
He urged Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to support these initiatives, emphasizing the potential of the inmates to contribute positively to society if given a second chance.
Akeem Awesu, Education Welfare Officer of the Ogun State Correctional Centers, disclosed that the 13 graduates were part of the first cohort that began their studies in 2017.
He also mentioned that 250 inmates have written the National Examination Council (NECO) exams since the program began in 2018, and 17 inmates are set to graduate from a Quranic school.
Also speaking at the event, the state coordinator of NECO, Mrs Olubukola Alo, represented by the Head of the Secretariat of NECO in the state ,Mr Ilyas Agboola said all the stations in the state command are now writing the exams .
Agboola, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to make meaningful contributions to society upon their release.
He lauded the command for efforts and congratulated th graduates over their feast .
He urged them to make meaningful impact in society .
The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from NECO, who praised the efforts of the correctional service in facilitating the education of inmates.
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