ABUJA, FCT– The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has actually revealed that 56 prisoners from different correctional centres throughout the nation are amongst the 24,575 students set to finish at its 15th convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Teacher Uduma Uduma, disclosed this during a pre-convocation press briefing on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Abuja.
The VC characterised the inclusion of incarcerated students as a peaceful transformation and a deliberate policy of the university to guarantee that education stays an essential right, no matter social status or location.
A Path to Reintegration
Professor Uduma stressed that the participation of prisoners in the scholastic procedure is a testament to the transformative power of the Open and Range Knowing (ODL) design.
By extending degree programmes into custodial centres, NOUN is actively utilizing education as a tool for rehab, assisting inmates rebuild their identities and get ready for life after imprisonment.
“For us, it is not almost awarding certificates; it is about bring back self-respect, reconstructing identity, and reaffirming humankind,” the VC stated.
He kept in mind that the effort shows the university’s core approach that no human is beyond redemption.
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Key Emphasizes of the 15th Convocation:
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Total Graduating Friend: 24,575 students.
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Prisoner Graduates: 56 individuals from correctional facilities nationwide.
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Convocation Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Format: Simultaneous events throughout NOUN’s several study centres.
The Vice-Chancellor described NOUN as a pioneer in flexible knowing, accommodating workers, females, and non-traditional trainees who can not be confined to physical class.
The 2026 friend is especially varied, cutting across different faculties and social backgrounds, all supported by a technology-driven learning facilities.
Effectiveness in Service Delivery
In a shift focused on improving student experience, Professor Uduma repeated that certificates would be issued immediately following the event.
This approach administrative effectiveness is created to permit graduates to transition into the workforce or higher research studies without the delays frequently associated with certificate collection in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
As NOUN gets ready for the April 18 event, the VC gotten in touch with the media and other stakeholders to assist enhance the effect of inclusive education.
He kept in mind that the long-term vision is to position the university as the leading organization for flexible knowing in Africa, making sure that no segment of society is left out from the benefits of knowledge.
The successful completion of degrees by the 56 inmates acts as a powerful presentation of how academic financial investment can reduce recidivism and foster nationwide change through personal development and scholastic discipline.