By Praise Necherem
A life term inmate of the Awka Custodial Center, Anambra State, Jude Onwuzulike have explained reasons behind frequent acquisition of degree certificates at the correctional facility.
Onwuzulike who had been in detention for eleven years, had secured three certificates in different fields, namely Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and Education respectively as well as Masters in Information Technology.
Speaking exclusively with the Anambradaily shortly after receiving the most recent certificate of PGDE by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Onwuzulike said he believed he had something to offer to society.
He added he had set a target for himself despite his present predicament, which included lecturing in any higher institution in the country.
He said, “This is my third certificate from Open University. The first was PGD in Information Technology, second was Masters in Information Technology. Today is PGDE in Education.
“I strongly believe I have something to offer in the nearest future. I have a target which I set for myself, regardless of my present condition.
“I’m quite convinced that one day I’ll get out of this place, and once I’m out, I’ll begin from where I stopped, and these certificates will be of immense benefit to me.
“For example, this one I got today, I have intention of using it to secure lecturing job tomorrow. You know in Nigeria, if you don’t have certificate in Education, you can’t be a lecturer. But this certificate will enable me fit into any university of my choice.”
Appreciating the wife who was present at the ocasion for her immense support since his sojourn at the Corrections Center, Onwuzulike, father of four described her as amazing and special gift from God.
“This is the 11th year I had this problem and have been away from home. Yet, she stood by me, giving me all the necessary support even though I’m on life imprisonment, which is enough reason to abandon me.
“The reason behind this rare support is simply because she knows me too well. I met her during her second year in the university and since then, we’ve been living well.
“I must confess to you, the woman is amazing. Taking care of my kids for these years, till this moment is not not easy.”
Deputy Controller of Corrections, Uba Solomon who commended Onwuzulike’s resilience, disclosed that plans were on to review his jail terms, expressing optimism of a positive outcome.
He said, “There’s plan to review his jail terms. Few months ago, there was a prerogative of mercy sent through a representative of state government and he was invited for interview. We hope something good will come out from that meeting.
“Actually, education is in his blood. He got his B.Sc outside and decided to take advantage of this opportunity to improve himself because he knows the value of education.
“I urge other inmates to be challenged by his duggedness and seize the privilege offered by the Nigeria Correctional Service and NOUN of passing through a university without paying any fee.”
