An inmate at Awka Prisons in Anambra State, Jude Onwuzulike, has enrolled for a Master’s degree programme in Information Technology at the National Open University of Nigeria.
The 39-year-old man and father of four, who is serving a life jail term, matriculated on Monday during the seventh matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the Awka Prisons.
Speaking 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.”
Emeh Achanga,the CEO of the Miss Petite Nigeria Brand is a lawyer turned blogger. She is very passionate about writing, with several publications and awards to her credit .She is currently working on publishing a collection of short stories which are basically a memoir about her exciting true experiences.