Six Umuahia Inmates Graduate From NOUN, Five Earn Second Class Upper

Six inmates at the Umuahia Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have achieved an inspiring academic milestone. They graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with five of them earning Second Class Upper Division honours.

This achievement was revealed in Umuahia by Sarafina Nwokonnta, Chief Operations Officer of Vision Africa Radio, during an event hosted by Bishop Sunday Onuoha, President of Vision Africa. The occasion was attended by members of the Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Vision Africa, through its educational initiative, sponsored some inmates to take the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) O-level exams while incarcerated. This support paved the way for their university success.

“We have six graduates today, and out of the six, five came out with Second Class Upper Division. They are truly excited about this achievement,” Nwokonnta said.

She underscored the transformative power of education in helping inmates rebuild their lives. According to her, providing educational opportunities equips them with the tools to become productive citizens upon reintegration into society.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha also used the occasion to highlight critical issues affecting the nation. He expressed concern over the rising cases of stampede-related deaths caused by widespread hunger and societal injustices.

Onuoha urged urgent intervention, warning that neglecting hunger and unemployment could spark severe reactions from struggling citizens.