The National Open University of Nigeria has announced that 56 inmates from correctional centres across the country will graduate at its 15th convocation ceremony, underscoring its commitment to inclusive and accessible education.
Speaking during a pre-convocation briefing in Abuja, the Vice-Chancellor, Uduma Uduma, said the inmates are part of the 24,575 students set to receive degrees at the ceremony scheduled for April 18.
He explained that the inclusion of inmates in the graduating class reflects the university’s policy of expanding educational opportunities to all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances.
According to him, the initiative is rooted in the belief that no individual is beyond redemption and that education remains a fundamental right.
Uduma noted that NOUN’s Open and Distance Learning model has made it possible for inmates to study while in custody, removing barriers related to location and social status.
He added that the inmates’ graduation is a testament to their dedication and the transformative impact of education.
“This is not just about certificates,” he said. “It is about restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and giving individuals a second chance to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the programme aligns with the university’s broader mandate to promote rehabilitation and reintegration, offering inmates a pathway to rebuild their futures after serving their sentences.
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He also highlighted the diversity of the 2026 graduating class, noting that it includes students from various backgrounds such as working professionals, women, and other non-traditional learners.
Uduma described the institution as a “quiet revolution” in Nigeria’s education sector, adding that learning is no longer confined to traditional classrooms.
The convocation will be held simultaneously across NOUN study centres nationwide, with all graduates expected to participate from their respective locations.
He added that certificates would be issued immediately after the ceremony, reflecting the university’s commitment to efficiency and improved service delivery.
Uduma commended the efforts of staff and partners who have sustained the university’s nationwide operations and called for continued support from stakeholders, particularly the media, in promoting initiatives that expand access to education.
The graduation of the inmates, he said, highlights the power of education as a tool for personal transformation and national development.
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