{
  "id": 15531444,
  "title": "NOUN matriculates 36 inmates in Lagos custodial centre",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/noun-matriculates-36-inmates-in-lagos-custodial-centre-15531444",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T01:14:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/noun-matriculates-36-inmates-in-lagos-custodial-centre/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Open University of Nigeria has conferred degrees upon 36 students at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos State. This event, held on Friday, celebrated the matriculation of 25 undergraduate students, nine master’s degree students, and two Doctor of Philosophy candidates, according to a report by the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command. Daramola George, the Controller of Corrections for the Lagos State Command, addressed the ceremony, urging the students to maintain discipline and commitment to their studies. He emphasized the importance of this opportunity as a pathway to personal development and improved prospects post-release. George highlighted education as a crucial element of the Nigerian Correctional Service's mandate to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate inmates into society. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the university and the Nigerian Correctional Service to enhance access to higher education within custodial facilities. Prof. Inua Ofe, the Director of NOUN’s Lagos Study Centre, welcomed the matriculants into the university community and administered the matriculation oath. Representatives of various organizations supporting correctional rehabilitation, including the Baptist Prison Ministry and House on the Rock, were also present. Their participation underscored the role of faith-based organizations, private institutions, and other development partners in promoting educational opportunities and the welfare of inmates. Deputy Controller of Corrections Ebereonwu Ogueri, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the university, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and partner organizations for their support in advancing educational development and rehabilitation efforts within the correctional system. The Lagos State Command reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating on initiatives that promote education, reform, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of inmates into society.",
  "summary": "The National Open University of Nigeria has matriculated 36 inmates at the Ikoyi custodial centre in Lagos for undergraduate, master’s and PhD programmes. Read More: https://punchng.com/noun-matriculates-36-inmates-in-lagos-custodial-centre/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "NOUN matriculates 36 inmates in Lagos custodial centre",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/noun-matriculates-36-inmates-in-lagos-custodial-centre",
        "published": "2026-10-19T01:12:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}