By HeapNews
LAGOS — The Lagos Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has called for increased collaboration and public support to bolster its rehabilitation programmes, especially through education, as 14 inmates of the Ikoyi Medium Security Custodial Centre were matriculated into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on Wednesday.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony, the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, George Daramola, described education as the best legacy that can be offered to all citizens, regardless of their circumstances.
“It is a thing of joy to know that the mandate of the service is being fulfilled, especially in ensuring inclusivity through sound education,” Daramola said.
“This ceremony is to make the inmates know they are not forgotten. Government is doing everything within its power to ensure their total reintegration into society.”
He explained that only convicted inmates are currently eligible to enroll in the NOUN programme, and expressed gratitude to the university management for their continued support.
Daramola also decried the stigma often faced by ex-inmates, urging the public to see them as rehabilitated citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
“They must be embraced, accepted, and given hope. Stigmatisation defeats the entire essence of correction,” he stated.
The Controller appealed for increased support from stakeholders, including religious groups, NGOs, and individuals, particularly in the areas of logistics, medical supplies, and transportation.
“We need more vehicles to convey inmates to courts and more drugs for their wellbeing,” he added.
On systemic issues, Daramola highlighted the delay in justice delivery and overcrowding in correctional centres. He advocated for wider application of non-custodial measures like fines, parole, and restorative justice to reduce prison congestion.
Also speaking, Julius Ebereonwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of the Ikoyi centre, reiterated the facility’s commitment to academic and vocational empowerment of inmates.
“From primary through to university level, education thrives here behind the walls,” he said.
“When I assumed duty, I pushed for an accredited NOUN examination centre here. Today, our students no longer have to go to Kirikiri for exams or ceremonies.”
He noted that several inmates have graduated with impressive academic records and hinted that some might soon attain first-class honours.
Representing NOUN’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Femi Peters, university official Prof. Fisayo Arowosegbe charged the matriculating students to keep aspiring for greatness.
“The greatest asset you have is your mind. Your body may be confined, but your mind cannot be caged,” he said.
Inmates were admitted into programmes including Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Christian Theology, Philosophy, and Political Science, according to the school’s Principal, ASC Ondache Balogun.
The ceremony underscored the correctional centre’s broader mission to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate — through education and skill acquisition — inmates into a more accepting society.