ABUJA/Nigeria: The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to education across all segments of society, as 56 inmates from correctional centres nationwide are set to graduate at its 15th convocation ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Uduma Uduma, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a pre-convocation media briefing, describing the initiative as a deliberate policy anchored on inclusion, second chances, and national transformation through education.
The convocation, scheduled for April 18, will be conducted simultaneously across NOUN’s multiple study centres nationwide, with a total of 24,575 students expected to graduate, including the inmates.
Uduma noted that the inclusion of inmates in the graduating class underscores the university’s philosophy that no individual is beyond redemption, stressing that access to education remains a fundamental right irrespective of circumstance.
According to him, NOUN’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) model has made it possible to deliver academic programmes within correctional facilities, effectively breaking barriers related to location, social status, and mobility.
He emphasised that the participation of inmates in the convocation is not symbolic, but a reflection of rigorous academic engagement and personal transformation.
“For us, it is not just about awarding certificates; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding identity, and reaffirming humanity,” the vice-chancellor said.
He added that the initiative aligns with the university’s broader mandate of widening access to education and ensuring that no segment of society is excluded from learning opportunities.
Uduma further explained that the programme demonstrates the role of education as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration, offering inmates a pathway to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
He described NOUN as a “quiet revolution” in Nigeria’s education sector, noting that its flexible learning model continues to attract a diverse range of students, including working-class individuals, women, and other non-traditional learners.
“The 2026 graduating cohort reflects this diversity, cutting across faculties and social backgrounds,” he said, adding that the institution would continue to leverage technology-driven learning to expand access and strengthen support systems for students, including those in custodial centres.
The vice-chancellor disclosed that all graduates, regardless of location, are expected to participate in the convocation, with certificates to be issued immediately after the ceremony as part of efforts to improve efficiency and student-focused service delivery.
He commended the university’s staff and partners for sustaining its nationwide operations, noting that such collaboration has enabled NOUN to reach underserved populations, including inmates.
Uduma also called for sustained support from stakeholders, particularly the media, to amplify the impact of initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive education across the country.
