The Nigeria Correctional Service, Enugu State Command has announced that over the past 12 years, it has facilitated the registration of 1,137 inmates for the National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) external exams. Mr. Nicholas Obiako, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, revealed this information to the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu on Tuesday. Currently, 124 inmates are taking the ongoing NECO external examination at the Special Study Centre within the Enugu Custodial Centre.

Mr. Obiako highlighted the commendable educational pursuits within the three custodial centres in the state – Enugu, Nsukka, and Oji River. He emphasized the positive impact of investing in the inmates' education, noting that the Enugu State Command has consistently produced inmates with excellent results, thanks to substantial investments in their grooming from primary and secondary school classes, as well as quality adult education classes in the centres.

The Controller of Corrections also praised the focus on education as a means of reformation, re-orientation, and reintegration of inmates back into society under the leadership of the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr. Haliru Nababa. He emphasized the commitment of the Nigeria Correctional Service to ensuring inmates' self-reliance and public protection, even after their release.

Mr. Kelvin Iloafonsi, a Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations, highlighted the positive impact of inmates obtaining certificates while serving, citing zero recidivism among former inmates who received education within the custodial centres. He commended the Controller-General of Corrections for creating an enabling environment for inmates to study and improve their academic proficiency.

Furthermore, Mr. Iloafonsi, who also serves as the Desk Officer of the National Open University of Nigeria, acknowledged the support of NGOs such as the Catholic Prisoners’ Interest Organisation in educating the inmates. He called for more NGOs to partner with the correctional service to empower inmates with the skills they need to become responsible and self-sufficient upon their release.

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