ICT hub for Lagos inmate students
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Anchor Heritage Initiatives (AHI), has recently inaugurated the first of its kind ICT hub for the inmates of Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore, who described the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as worthy of emulation and of great significance towards the inmates and the society.
The representative of the minister urged members of the custodial and the inmates to utilise the opportunity in furthering their educational careers and mplored well meaningful Nigerians to be part of the initiatives in assisting inmates to achieve their dreams.
In his welcome address, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Baba, commended AHI for facilitating the smooth running of the NOUN special study centre for the desiring inmates to pursue academic affiliations like their peers.
“It also provides an avenue for the training of inmates on hardware and software technology as well as a platform for e-learning of whatever sort, for the members of staff and inmates alike,” Baba added.
On his part, the NGO’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Bidemi Oladipupo, disclosed that “If we can make a daily effort we can change the inmates so that when they come back to society they are useful to themselves and their families, maybe one day, a crime-free society!”
The ICT hub was inaugurated for the inmates to continue their programmes and learn basic computer appreciation courses both soft and hard ware programmes.
The centre is powered by 30 systems with internet facilities and alternative supplies.
NOUN Coordinator, Special Study Centre for Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Sunday Agboola, as well as a high-level delegates from the Nigerian Customs were also present at the event.
