Abuja: The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has called on personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to embrace Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a means of personal and professional development. Prof. Olugbenga Ojo, Director of Examination and Assessment, NOUN, made the call during an advocacy visit to the NCoS Headquarters in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the visit aimed to sensitize the officers and men of the Service on the numerous benefits of ODL and to encourage them to take advantage of NOUN’s programmes. These programmes are designed to provide flexible, affordable, and accessible education for working professionals. The university has supported the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through its study centres within correctional facilities and now seeks to extend similar educational opportunities to staff. Enhancing the academic qualifications and capacity of correctional officers would impact the quality of their work and boost efforts to reduce recidivism.
Prof. Olugbenga Ojo emphasized the importance of empowering and training staff for effective transformation. He encouraged the officers to register for courses, highlighting that learning stems from a personal desire. He stated, “We are here for a special advocacy visit, not for the inmates this time, but for the staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
In response, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, commended NOUN’s consistent collaboration with the Service. Nwakuche praised the university for offering tuition-free education to inmates and welcomed the extension of such benefits to NCoS personnel. He expressed readiness to deepen the existing partnership and assured that the Service would encourage staff participation across commands.
Ms. Modupe Adesina, the National Coordinator of the Special Study Centre Unit, reiterated NOUN’s commitment to supporting the reform agenda of the Correctional Service. She encouraged the officers to take ownership of their educational journey, emphasizing the flexibility of ODL that allows simultaneous work and study.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that NOUN has established itself as a leader in open and distance education in Nigeria, with a mandate to widen access to tertiary education, especially for underserved populations including inmates, military personnel, and paramilitary officers.
