An ex-inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre Awka, Anambra State Command, Ernest Okoye has been awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Presenting the certificate to the graduand at a brief ceremony at MSCC Awka, the representative of the NOUN, Mr Ukaegbu Orji extended the felicitations and congratulations of the Vice Chancellor NOUN Prof. Olufemi Peters, to the awardee.
Orji appreciated the Controller General of Corrections Haliru Nababa, FICMC, MFR, Mni, for the opportunity given to the inmates and the provision of the enabling environment for them to study while in custody.
He urged the other inmates to avail themselves of the opportunity of this free tuition program, to update and enhance themselves to be better and productive citizens upon release.
The Controller of Corrections Anambra State Command Usifo Joseph, represented by the officer in charge of the facility, DCC Ray Okonkwo Esq, expressed his appreciation to the Controller General of Corrections Haliru Nababa FICMC MFR Mni, for his laudable inmates empowerment programmes, which gave the platform for the inmates to embark on vocational trainings and skills acquisition of their choice.
He equally thanked the management of the National Open University of Nigeria for their partnership with the NCoS towards the realization of her core mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, through educational programmes.
The Controller used the opportunity to encourage other inmates who are yet to embrace this life time opportunity, to do so irrespective of being a convicted or unconvicted inmate. This he said is due to the fact that the memorandum of understanding between the NCoS and the NOUN, gives any student the opportunity to continue his unfinished programme in any study centre outside upon release.
Filled with excitement, joy and fulfillment, the graduand and certificate recipient Mr Ernest Okoye, appreciated the NCoS, NOUN, inmates and his family, for giving him the opportunity to improve his life and also standing by him during his stay in the Custodial Centre.
Okoye also appreciated the resilience and doggedness of one inmate Mr. Jude Onwuzulike, who while still in custody, had acquired several degrees to his credit. This inmate’s achievement he said, was his motivation to enroll, and today is happy that his decision paid off.
The desk officer of the NOUN in the Command ASC Chike Afujue in a vote of thanks, appreciated all who graced the occasion and prayed for journey mercies back to their various destinations. He equally used the opportunity to appeal passionately to other inmates to emulate Ernest to improve their lives in order to be better and productive citizens upon reintegration back to the society.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the certificate to the graduand by the NOUN representative.
