The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Enugu State Command, has revealed that it registered 1,137 inmates for the National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) external exams over the past 12 years. Mr. Nicholas Obiako, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, provided this information, highlighting the commitment of the custodial centers in the state to educational pursuits and the formation of inmates.
While speaking to journalist, Controller Obiako stated that 124 inmates were currently taking the ongoing NECO external examination at the Special Study Centre within the Enugu Custodial Centre. He emphasized the dedication of the custodial centers in Enugu, Nsukka, and Oji River to providing educational opportunities for inmates.
Controller Obiako praised the inmates’ performance, noting that they consistently achieved excellent results due to investments in education from primary and secondary school classes, as well as quality adult education classes within the centers. He highlighted the inmates’ options after obtaining their educational qualifications, stating, “For those that cannot continue, they will be enrolled into various vocational centers – tailoring, leather, iron, woodworks, etc – and they will be groomed to pass a trade test examination for certification before graduating from the vocational training.”
The Controller also commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr. Haliru Nababa, for prioritizing education as a vital tool for the reformation, re-orientation, and reintegration of inmates into society. He emphasized the commitment of the Nigeria Correctional Service under Nababa’s leadership to ensure that inmates develop themselves during their custody, promoting self-reliance and public protection even after their release.
Mr. Kelvin Iloafonsi, a Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations and the Desk Officer of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), highlighted that the pursuit of education and obtaining certificates while serving had contributed to zero recidivism among former inmates who studied within the custodial centers. He praised the Controller-General for creating an enabling environment for inmates to study and improve their academic proficiency.
Iloafonsi also acknowledged the support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Catholic Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) and others in assisting with the education of inmates. He called for more NGOs to come forward and partner with the correctional service to empower inmates and contribute to their responsible reintegration into society.