An inmate of Awka Correctional Centre,Mr Jude Onwuzulike,has bagged two certificates from the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), Awka Study Centre, IgbereTV reports.
The presentation of the certificates which took place at the Awka Correctional Centre attracted officials of the Correctional Centre,NOUN and some prison inmates.
The inmate,Mr Onwuzulike, bagged the certificates for Post graduate diploma and Masters degree in Information Technology.
In his opening remarks, the Comptroller Awka Correctional Centre,Mr Patrick Chukwuemeka, disclosed that the scheme was initiated for the educational development and Skill empowerment of the inmates.
Mr Chukwuemeka represented by the Superintendent in charge of the Correctional Centre, Mr Harry Okonkwo, also said that the Correctional Centre is not only for confinement of inmates but also provides opportunities there for them to upgrade themselves academically, and learn new skills that will make them better persons after serving their jail terms.
In his remarks, the representative of the Registrar of NOUN,Mr Oladipo Ajayi, explained that the programme is what NOUN represents which is to impact lives and give education to the unreached.
While descrbing the acquisition of the certificates by Mr Onwuzulike as great achievement, the registrar urged the other inmates of the Correctional Centre to key into the programme to become educated.
Also speaking the Director,NOUN Awka Centre, Associate Professor Scholastica Ezeribe, thanked God for making the day a reality and revealed that the programme is free for all inmates to show that they are important to God and the society.
In their separate remarks, the Public Relations Officer,of the Centre,Mr Francis Ekezie and Dr Henry Nwokoye, thanked the facilitators of the programme appealing to other inmates to take a leave from Mr Onwuzulike and make judicious use of their time in confinement to upgrade themselves.
In his response, the graduate,Mr Onwuzulike, expressed delight with the opportunity given him to better his lot academically and appreciated all that contributed to make it possible as well as his wife and children who have been standing by him since his stay in prison.
Certificates presentation and group photograph featured during the event.
