By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

An ex-inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre Awka, Anambra State Command, Ernest Okoye, has bagged a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (IT) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Okoye was awarded the certificate at a brief ceremony at MSCC Awka by the representative of NOUN, Mr Ukaegbu Orji.

Speaking at the event, Orji extended the felicitations and congratulations of the Vice Chancellor NOUN Prof. Olufemi Peters, to the awardee.

He urged other Inmates to avail themselves the opportunity of the free tuition program to update and enhance themselves to be better and productive citizens upon release.

The NOUN representative hailed 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.

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 also 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 inmates, saying that it 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.

In his speech, the graduand expressed excitement, joy and fulfillment, the graduand 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.

He appreciated the resilience and doggedness of one inmate Mr. Jude Onwuzulike, who while still in custody, had acquired several degrees to his credit, saying, ?This inmate?s achievement was my motivation to enroll, and today I?m happy that my decision paid off.?

In his vote of thanks, the desk officer of the NOUN in the Command, ASC Chike Afujue 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.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the certificate to the graduand by the NOUN representative.