Man Serving Life Sentence Matriculates In Awka Prison As Masters Degree Student

A 39-year-old father of four, currently serving a life jail sentence in Awka Prisons, Jude Onwuzulike, has enrolled for a Masters Degree programme in Information Technology with the National Open University of Nigeria.

Onwuzulike matriculated on Monday during the seventh matriculation ceremony of the institution held at Awka prisons.

In an interview with Southern City News at the matriculation arena, Onwuzulike said he believed that one day, his education and knowledge would be of help to him.

He said he had earlier obtained a first degree and post-graduate diploma from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, respectively, before his ordeal.

He said, “My first degree was in Accounting in 2005, while the second was in Mathematics. When I came here, I did a post-graduate diploma in Information Technology and now, I’m doing a Master’s degree in the same discipline.”

Onwuzulike said he enrolled for Information Technology due to the unsatisfactory manner the case that led to his imprisonment was investigated.

“I noticed some lapses in the way the case that brought me here was investigated, which someone needs to correct. So, this course I’m studying will assist me to carry out forensic investigations in similar circumstances,” he added.

Describing the prison as not ideal for learning, Onwuzulike said it would only take someone who remained focused in life to maximise the opportunity.

He added, “Here, you see all kinds of people; the uneducated, those who lack parental upbringing and those who were brought up in the motor park. They will be distracting you, including asking you to switch off the lights for them to sleep and stuffs like that.”

Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof Abdalla Adamu, who was represented by Dr Scholastica Ezeribe, expressed delight in Onwuzulike’s zeal.

Adamu said though the university’s matriculation took place on June 23, the management had to fix a special day for the inmate in view of the peculiarity of his case.

Adamu urged other inmates to take advantage of the free education provided by NOUN to better their lots.

Via PUNCH