Kirikiri Prison Inmate Bags University Degree

Three weeks after granting scholarships to all prison inmates studying in the
institutions, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), recently awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A Theology) to a student of the school, and an inmate of the Kirikiri Prisons, Lagos, Mr. Albert Emmanuel Ajogbor.

The graduate fondly called “Prison Pastor,” by fellow inmates, was presented with his Golden Fleece by the Director, Learner Support Services of the institution, Prof. Nebath Tanglang, who represented the vice chancellor, Prof. Abdalla Adamu.

NOUN is the only tertiary institution in the country that makes education available to inmates of Nigerian prisons. And the institution on that occasion reiterated that its recent decision to grant scholarships to all prison inmates in the country, after observed dearth of sponsorship offers, “Was
to help make the journey of procuring a university degree a little less daunting and a little more achievable…”

According to the vice chancellor, the university over the years has supplied course materials for free and has paid 50 per cent of payable fees for inmates. Philanthropic bodies such as religious groups and non-governmental organisations, as well as well-meaning Nigerians pay for the other 50 per cent.
May I use this opportunity to thank all our sponsors for their generous contributions towards your education.”

Adamu who was only recently appointed as helmsman of the institution told the inmates, “My goal is to improve on the standards and structures already laid down by my predecessor. I am sure that a number of your peers who are also incarcerated would like to register to study one of our programmes but for the fact that they have no means of funding their education and improving their destiny.

Ajogbor, the new graduate, who said he felt like a hero, expressed deep gratitude to prison authorities for facilitating his education as well as the institution for extending such services to prison inmates.