Jailbird receives his degree today

A graduate prisoner, Haruna Pembe Gombela

For the first time in the country`s history, a graduate prisoner, Haruna Pembe Gombela, is to be conferred his Bachelor in law degree by the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) at the Ukonga prison in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking in an exclusive interview yesterday, the Vice Chancellor of the OUT, Prof.Tolly Mbwette, said all was set for a colourful convocation at the prison, with all the formalities having been endorsed by the Commissioner of Prisons.

Graduant Gombela was not among the 1,245 OUT students who graduated on Saturday in various fields of study, making the total number of students who have completed studies at the university to reach 4,006.

Prof Mbwette said Gombela did not receive his degree along with others due to non completion of necessary formalities which a prisoner must undergo.

``All formalities are now in place for the historical event to take place. The OUT distance learning avenues are open to all,`` he said.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Saturday, the Chairman of the OUT Board of Directors, Prof Simon Mbilinyi, called upon stakeholders to support OUT cope up with increased students` enrolment by boosting the provision of education through both print and electronic media.