Onitsha Correctional Centre is set to become a center for Open University starting in January 2025, following its approval by the Open Air University officials. This decision comes after a thorough inspection of the facilities, which were found to meet high standards due to the modern equipment and structures put in place under the guidance of the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke.
Rev. Fr. Bathlomeo Okpalugo, Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy Onitsha, made the announcement after a special Concelebrated Mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, officiated by Archbishop Okeke with the inmates of the Correctional Centre.
Fr. Okpalugo shared that the Open Air University team, upon inspecting the Onitsha Correctional Centre, confirmed that no other correctional facility in Nigeria has the level of infrastructure and resources available at Onitsha. The centre’s ultra-modern skill acquisition structure, built under Archbishop Okeke’s direction, sets it apart from others in the country.
“They confirmed that Onitsha Correctional Centre is superior to the one in Awka, where inmates usually go to take their external examinations. They also affirmed that starting from January 2025, inmates interested in the Open University will begin their studies here,” Fr. Okpalugo said.
The Chaplain emphasized the importance of education and sports for the inmates, noting that the Correctional Centre offers various sporting activities, including football, table tennis, and an annual Archbishop tournament sponsored by various individuals and organizations.
Fr. Okpalugo also highlighted the Archbishop’s ongoing commitment to the spiritual growth of the inmates, with frequent visits to the Centre three times a year. He mentioned the construction of the ultra-modern skill acquisition centre as another unique contribution of Archbishop Okeke, which sets the Onitsha Correctional Centre apart.
Due to the Archbishop’s significant contributions, the Comptroller General of Prisons installed him as the Grand Patron of all Correctional Centres in Nigeria.
In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Okeke spoke about the light that the birth of Jesus brings into the world, emphasizing that it is a light that darkness cannot suppress. He prayed that the message of Christmas—divine restoration—would bring healing and blessings to all who live a life of love, restoring their lost dignity.
