The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Olusola Kehinde, on Wednesday, called for the support of education of inmates across the correctional facilities in the country.
Prof Kehinde said that given the transformative power of education and the desire of society to see inmates turn a new leaf and be useful to themselves and society, government, organisations and public-spirited individuals must double up efforts to invest in the education of inmates in the country.
The vice-chancellor, represented by the Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, FUNAAB, Prof Fafiolu Olusesan, made the call during the graduation of 38 inmates of Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, from West African College for Christian Missions, Abeokuta campus, an affiliate of Freedom University and Theological Seminary, Pottstown, United States.
The inmates who were sponsored by the college bagged a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and a Diploma in Missions.
Speaking at the event, Prof Kehinde said though no one was born a criminal, sometimes, society taught some people to believe they had no option.
He added that while a prison cell may hold the body, it should never be allowed to imprison the mind.
Prof Kehinde said across the world, correctional facilities were overflowing with individuals who carried the weight of their crimes, the burden of lost opportunity and the residue of broken systems.
“In this environment, education emerges not just as a privilege, but as a powerful catalyst for change. It is more than textbooks and lectures; it is a pathway to dignity, purpose, and reintegration.
“When we empower inmates with knowledge, we ignite the spark of reformation. Education behind bars is not just about passing exams, it’s about reshaping futures and rewriting destinies.
“Education is a catalyst for total reformation. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to break free from the shackles of their past and forge a new path.
“For those who have been incarcerated, education offers a second chance to rediscover themselves, to learn from their mistakes, and to become productive members of society,” he said.
The VC said as much as it was believed that educated ex-inmates were more likely to become law-abiding citizens, helping to reduce crime and fostering a safer environment, there must, therefore, be greater support for the education of inmates across the country.
The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, represented by the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State command, Abioye Adesina, lauded the theology school for partnering with the command to bring out the best in the inmates.
Nwakuche also emphasised the power of education to turn around the lives of the inmates, especially in a correctional facility.
He described education as “a tool for reform, a bridge for reintegration and a spark of hope of a better and more fruitful future.”
While congratulating the graduates, Nwakuche said the graduation ceremony also reinforced the fact that rehabilitating the inmates to become better members of society was not a myth.
The Provost of the college, Prof Ohiku, represented by the Registrar General of the school, Prof Olanrewaju Oluwasanu, congratulated the graduates for their endurance in completing their academic programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Oluwadamilare Olagoke, a Masters Degree holder in Banking and Finance, commended the college for investing their time and resources into making the inmates change agents.
Olagoke, however, pleaded with the government to do more in decongesting the correctional facilities, adding that a lot of them went through several reformative programmes just like the one the college offered, which had helped them to embrace change of character to be useful to themselves and society.
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