Former Anambra Prison Inmate Bags NOUN Degree In Peace Studies

A former Awka Correctional Centre inmate, in Anambra State, Livinus Ugwu, has earned a degree in peace and conflict resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Ugwu, was to be discharged from the centre in 2018 after serving a 21-year-jail term. He began the degree programme while in correctional facility.

Receiving the certificate from NOUN on Wednesday last week at the correctional centre, the visibly excited Ugwu attributed his success to commitment and dedication, while appreciating both the authorities of the Correctional Service and NOUN for the opportunity offered him to advance his education.

He urged people in such circumstances not to allow their condition to constitute a barrier to their progress in life, stating that such setbacks should be seen as a stopgap.

Presenting the certificate on behalf of the university, Director, NOUN Awka Study Centre, Professor Scholastica Ezeribe said the programme was targeted at imparting lives, including providing education to the inmates.

Speaking, the Controller, Anambra State Command, Nigerian Correctional Service, Pat Chukwuemeka, said the scheme, which he described as his brainchild, was initiated for the educational development and skill empowerment of inmates.

Appreciating the programme facilitators for their assistance to the graduate, Chukwuemeka hailed the graduate for achieving the feat despite the conditions, appealing to other inmates to emulate him to upgrade themselves.