The Nigeria Correctional Service Enugu State Command has reported that it has registered 1,137 inmates for the National Examination Council of Nigeria external exams in the last 12 years, News About Nigeria reports.
This information was disclosed on Tuesday by the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Nicholas Obiako.
The controller noted that 124 inmates were taking the ongoing NECO external examination at the Special Study Centre within the three Correctional custodian centres.
Obiako highlighted that custodial centres are located in Enugu, Oji River, and Nsukka.
Currently, there are 124 inmates writing the NECO examination, which is one of the highest numbers among inmates in custodial centres in any given state in the country.
He added that the inmates come out with excellent results as they heavily invest in grooming them from primary and secondary school classes and quality adult education classes in the centres.
He mentioned that those qualified for their chosen field of study will seek direct admission to the university through the National Open University of Nigeria, which has a study centre in Enugu Custodial Centre.
Those who can’t continue will be enrolled in various vocational centres to learn iron making, leatherwork, tailoring, woodworking, etc., and will be groomed to pass a trade test examination for certification before graduating from the vocational training.
Obiako commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, for his focus on education as a viable tool for the reformation, re-orientation, and reintegration of inmates back into society.
A Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations, Kelvin Iloafonsi, stated that the pursuit of education and obtaining certificates while serving has led to zero recidivism among ex-inmates who schooled within the custodial centres.
Iloafonsi, who is also the Desk Officer of the National Open University of Nigeria, added that some non-governmental organizations, such as the Catholic Prisoners’ Interest Organisation and others, assisted in the education of the inmates.
He mentioned that CAPIO registered about 90 per cent of the 124 inmates writing the exam, and they are actively seeking more NGOs to help the inmates become responsible after their release.
