The Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) said it has enrolled 23 inmates, serving different terms into postgraduate programmes of the National Open University (NOUN). This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of the service, while receiving the UNESCO/Confucius award at Abuja. The postgraduate students are pursuing studies in criminology, public administration and other courses.
Punch Newspaper reports that an ex-inmate and doctoral student, Theophilus Adenyi, present at the ceremony narrated how he took advantage of the study opportunity offered by the Nigerian prison service. He obtained two degrees while in custody at the Enugu prison. He is currently pursuing a PhD in peace and conflict resolution at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In addition, 465 inmates are studying for different undergraduate degree programmes. NOUN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adballa Adamu while urging increased support said the inmates would continue to enjoy tuition-free educational programmes, even up to postdoctoral level.