The Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) says it has registered 1,137 inmates for the National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) external exams within the past 12 years.
Nicholas Obiako, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, revealed this information to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.
Obiako highlighted that at the Special Study Centre within the Enugu Custodial Centre, 124 inmates were currently undertaking the ongoing NECO external examination.
He emphasized the commendable educational efforts across the state’s three custodial centers—Enugu, Nsukka, and Oji River—focusing on inmates’ education and formation.
Presently, there are 124 inmates participating in the NECO examination, marking one of the highest participation rates among inmates across custodial centers in the country.
“Our inmates consistently achieve excellent results as we heavily invest in their education from primary and secondary school classes, as well as quality adult education classes within the centers,” Obiako stated.
He outlined the pathways for inmates post-examination, mentioning that those excelling in their chosen fields would seek direct admission to the university through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study center located in the Enugu Custodial Centre. Others would undergo vocational training in areas like tailoring, leatherwork, ironwork, and woodwork, preparing for trade test examinations for certification before their graduation.
Obiako commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, for prioritizing education as a fundamental tool for inmates’ reformation, reorientation, and successful reintegration into society.
Kelvin Iloafonsi, a Deputy Controller of Corrections overseeing Operations, highlighted how educational pursuits and certification attainment during incarceration had led to a remarkable zero recidivism rate among former inmates educated within custodial centers.
He attributed this achievement to the proactive reformation strategies initiated by the Controller-General, Nababa, emphasizing the enabling environment created for inmates to pursue academic proficiency.
Iloafonsi, also serving as the Desk Officer of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), acknowledged the support of NGOs such as the Catholic Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO) in educating inmates. He called for more NGOs to collaborate in empowering inmates with skills and knowledge that would help them reintegrate responsibly into society upon release.