- According to him, the 15th convocation, scheduled for April 18
- The Vice-Chancellor added that the inmates’ graduation is not symbolic, but a reflection of their academic achievement
- He stressed that education remains a powerful tool for restoring dignity and giving individuals a chance to rebuild their lives after incarceration
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education as 56 inmates from correctional centres across the country are set to graduate at its 15th convocation ceremony.
This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Uduma, during a pre-convocation briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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He said the development reflects NOUN’s philosophy of expanding access to education to all categories of learners, including those in custodial centres, as part of its Open and Distance Learning approach.
According to him, the 15th convocation, scheduled for April 18, will hold across NOUN study centres nationwide, with a total of 24,575 students expected to graduate.
Uduma explained that the inclusion of inmates is a deliberate effort by the university to promote inclusion, rehabilitation, and social reintegration through education.
He noted that providing educational opportunities in correctional facilities demonstrates the university’s belief that learning should not be limited by location or personal circumstances.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the inmates’ graduation is not symbolic, but a reflection of their academic achievement and personal transformation while in custody.
He stressed that education remains a powerful tool for restoring dignity and giving individuals a chance to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Uduma further described NOUN as a model for flexible and accessible education in Nigeria, serving diverse learners including workers, women, and others who cannot access conventional university systems.
He said the 2026 graduating set reflects that diversity, cutting across different faculties and backgrounds.
He also assured that the university will continue to strengthen its technology-driven learning system and improve support for all students, including those in correctional centres.
According to him, all graduating students are expected to participate in the convocation, while certificates will be issued immediately after the ceremony to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
He commended staff and partners for sustaining the institution’s nationwide reach and called for continued support in promoting educational access.
The convocation marks another milestone in NOUN’s effort to broaden participation in higher education and support rehabilitation through learning.
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