By Joyce Onuora, Abakaliki
A House of Representatives member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah has commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders working to reform correctional facilities across Nigeria. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates nationwide.
Hon. Ogah made the remarks during his visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakaliki, where he officially commissioned the newly established Special Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The facility was fully renovated, furnished, and donated by the Chinedu Ogah Foundation, in collaboration with the NOUN Board.
In her remarks at the event, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, —represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone “M”, Lolo Prisca Oku—announced that 28 inmates had been admitted as pioneer students of the new centre. Among them, 25 enrolled in undergraduate programmes, while three were admitted into master’s degree programmes.
She acknowledged the invaluable support of development partners, particularly The Mercy Foundation under the Sundan Mission, Netherlands, for their role in equipping the facility. She also commended Hon. Ogah for his direct involvement in the renovation and transformation of the hall that now serves as the study centre.
Addressing the inmates, Hon. Ogah encouraged them to remain hopeful and embrace education as a powerful tool for personal transformation and reintegration into society.
“The school has been equipped with modern facilities, and everything—including the school fees, books, and other materials—is completely free,” Ogah said. “There’s a reason God brought you to the correctional centre. Use this opportunity to transform your life and secure a better future.”
He further praised the educational vision of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing the establishment of the centre as a complement to the governor’s sustained commitment to education. He noted that Governor Nwifuru has awarded over 1,000 scholarships to students pursuing postgraduate degrees both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
In her remarks, the National Coordinator of the NOUN Special Study Centres, Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, disclosed that over 2,000 inmates across the country have benefited from NOUN scholarships, with more than 200 graduating through academic programmes completed while in custody.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by an array of dignitaries, including the member representing Ikwo /Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah OON, the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University, Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Registrar, Mrs. Martina Njoku, the Director of the Abakaliki Study Centre, Dr. Amah Udu Aka, senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and Ebonyi State Government representatives—including the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Ilang Donatus Chukwuma—as well as development partners, stakeholders, security chiefs, members of the press, and inmates.
Following the event, Hon. Ogah paid a courtesy visit to Governor Nwifuru, joining him for inspections of ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of a flyover within the State Capital Territory.
