PhD Inmate Writes 7 Books Behind Bars

An inmate of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Chiwendu Hart,  who is currently pursuing a PhD through the Correctional Service Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has turned his time behind bars into a remarkable journey of transformation and personal growth.

Hart, who entered prison with a WAEC certificate, has defied the odds to become a published author of seven books, all written while serving a jail term in the Kuje facility.

He revealed that preparations were underway for the official launch of his books by the correctional centre, a move he believes would inspire hope among other inmates.

“I came in with just a WAEC certificate, and now I have published seven books. The correctional centre gave me a future. Efforts are ongoing for my books to be launched officially,” Hart told LEADERSHIP Weekend in an exclusive interview.

Our correspondent spoke with the Inmate on the sidelines of the commissioning of a National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Examination Centre at the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NABTEB centre was established through a partnership between the NCoS and Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation, aimed at equipping inmates with vocational and technical skills to aid their reintegration into society.

Hart praised both the foundation and the correctional authorities for creating a rehabilitative environment where inmates can learn, grow, and rediscover their purpose.

“I commend the foundation for its humanitarian service. I also commend the correctional service for the enabling environment they have created. We will never disappoint when we leave the correction centre,” he said.