Inmates in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, can now go to school to acquire formal education while serving their term in prison.
This is following the official donation of a fully equipped classroom blocks for the National Open University of Nigeria NOUN, Special Study Centre to the correctional centre.
The state-of-the-art facility built at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okaka, Bayelsa State, was donated on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by the Estive John Sambo Foundation, in honour of the late Matriarch, Mrs Ebisindei Cecilia Sambo. On behalf of the foundation, Barr. John Sambo revealed that the donation was to encourage the inmates that life, learning and hope continued even behind bars.
Speaking during the handover, Sambo told the inmates that “your sentence is not your end. Pick up your books. Earn your degree while you serve. Come out better than you came in. Sambo explained that education is the truest freedom, even as he charged inmates to enroll at the NOUN while serving their terms.
The event which was attended by the state Commissioner of Education, Hon. Emelah Gentle, was marked with a historic novelty football match by the inmates.
The education commissioner represented the governor, Senator Douye Diri. Other dignitaries who attended the occasion were Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, Member Representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 BYHA; Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, Commissioner for Environment, Bayelsa State; Hon. Ann Preye Inoru, Vice Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.
Also in attendance was Chief Timipere Asari Kerry, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Community Mobilization and Orientation (Youths); Hon. John Sambo, Director of Domestic Affairs, Government House, APC Candidate for Nembe Constituency 3 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; and Hon. Tokpo Coronation, APC Candidate for Southern Ijaw Constituency 1,BYHA, the State APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. James Wilson Inegite, and amongst others.
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The gesture was described as a hope behind bars initiative. Meanwhile, NOUN has inaugurated the new Special Custodial Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, marking the university’s 22nd education centre within correctional facilities nationwide.
The inauguration underscores the university’s growing commitment to providing higher education opportunities to incarcerated persons as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration and social inclusion.
Speaking through the university’s Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, described the expansion as a significant milestone in making quality tertiary education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances.
His words, “with the commissioning of this Special Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Yenagoa, NOUN now has 22 special study centres serving correctional facilities across the country.
“This steady expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that quality higher education remains accessible to every Nigerian, irrespective of circumstance.”
The vice-chancellor commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri, for supporting the initiative which he said demonstrated his administration’s commitment to education, rehabilitation and human capital development. The vice chancellor also addressed the inmate-students, “this Study Centre is an investment in your future.
“I encourage you to seize this opportunity with determination, discipline and integrity. The education you receive here will equip you not only with academic qualifications but also with the confidence, values and skills required to become productive citizens upon your return to society.
“The facility should become the place where your aspirations are renewed and your future redefined.”
