The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that over 1,000 prison inmates across the country are currently enrolled in university degree programs, with six of them pursuing PhDs.
During a press briefing held by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja, Umar Abubakar, the NCoS spokesperson, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to rehabilitating inmates through education. He also mentioned that the government has increased the feeding allowance for inmates by 50% due to the rising cost of food.
Abubakar detailed the educational progress within the correctional facilities, noting, “In addition to the six inmates studying for PhDs, 282 others are working towards their diplomas and Master’s degrees. Our aim is to change the psyche and behavior of our inmates to help them reintegrate into society.”
He also addressed a recent viral video showing inmates at the Calabar Correctional Centre complaining about inadequate feeding, clarifying that the footage does not accurately represent the state of correctional facilities in Nigeria. “The viral video is not a representation of the Nigeria Correctional Service,” he stated, adding that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The spokesperson emphasized the NCoS’s efforts to create a conducive environment for skill acquisition and education, stating, “The care we provide to inmates has created a serene environment that facilitates their learning and skill acquisition across our custodial centers,” He said.
