By Ibironke Ariyo
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has encouraged officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to adopt Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a valuable tool for both personal growth and career advancement.
During an advocacy visit to the NCoS Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja, NOUN’s Director of Examination and Assessment, Prof. Olugbenga Ojo, highlighted the university’s mission to enlighten correctional officers about the many advantages of ODL and motivate them to explore NOUN’s diverse educational programs.
According to Ojo, NOUN’s programs are structured to deliver flexible, affordable, and accessible learning opportunities that allow working professionals to continue their education without sacrificing their duties.
He noted that while NOUN has long provided educational support to inmates through its study centres in correctional facilities, it is equally important that staff—who play a central role in the rehabilitation and reintegration process—also benefit from these educational opportunities.
Improving the qualifications and capacity of correctional officers, he emphasized, will directly contribute to the quality of reformation efforts and reduce the likelihood of re-offending among released inmates.
“This visit is not for inmates, but for the staff who serve as the drivers of rehabilitation,” Ojo said. “The goal is to ensure that every person who passes through the correctional system returns to society as a better individual. But to achieve this, the staff must also be empowered. I encourage all of you to consider enrolling in a course.”
In response, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised NOUN for its long-standing collaboration with the Correctional Service. He described NOUN as a vital partner in transforming education within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Nwakuche applauded the university for offering tuition-free education to inmates across custodial centres nationwide and welcomed the extension of this opportunity to NCoS staff members.
“NOUN has set a powerful example in correctional education,” Nwakuche stated. “Providing free education to inmates is remarkable. The positive impact you’ve made is evident, and we deeply appreciate your excellence in service.”
He assured NOUN that the Correctional Service remains fully committed to strengthening this partnership. “We won’t hesitate to embrace this initiative wholeheartedly. We will encourage our staff across all commands to take advantage of this opportunity,” he affirmed.
Also speaking, Ms. Modupe Adesina, National Coordinator of NOUN’s Special Study Centre Unit (SSCU), reiterated the university’s dedication to supporting the Correctional Service’s reform objectives. She urged officers to take full responsibility for their educational advancement.
“It is time for NCoS personnel to begin upgrading their qualifications,” Adesina said. “ODL gives you the freedom to combine work with studies. You can attend classes and write exams from anywhere, even while on duty. Everyone has the capacity to pursue education—regardless of age or circumstance.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NOUN continues to lead in expanding access to tertiary education in Nigeria, particularly for underserved populations such as inmates, military personnel, and paramilitary officers.
