The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for improved access to education and skills acquisition programmes for inmates in correctional centres across Nigeria.
Obi made the appeal in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, revealing that representatives of inmates from various correctional centres in Anambra State had approached him with a request for support.
He said the inmates deserve a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives and reintegrate as productive members of society.
According to him, the representatives informed him that the National Examinations Council (NECO) is willing to allow the inmates to participate in its ongoing examinations, provided all fees are paid before the deadline. Without payment, the inmates risk being excluded from the exams after Monday. However, funding remains a major obstacle.
Obi shared that 148 inmates are currently registered for the exams—50 in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi, and 37 in Aguata. With exam fees set at ₦30,050 per candidate, plus an additional ₦2,000 logistics fee, the total sum required amounts to ₦4,741,400.
He assured the representatives that he would write to them on Monday, confirming that he would cover the costs so the inmates could sit their exams. He added that he would also seek support from friends and well-wishers to offset the full amount.
Obi recalled being inspired by rehabilitation initiatives during an April visit to California State University, Sacramento, including the Guidance Scholars Programme for children in foster care and Project Rebound, which supports formerly incarcerated individuals.
“These programmes strengthened my belief in inclusive and compassionate leadership—one that values every human life and offers meaningful second chances,” he said.
He stressed that his concern goes beyond Anambra State, questioning whether inmates in other parts of the country have similar access to educational opportunities.
Obi argued that many individuals end up in correctional centres due to lack of education, and that such facilities should serve as centres for reformation rather than mere detention.
“These centres are meant to reform. A key part of that mission is providing opportunities for learning and skills acquisition—something that should ordinarily be the government’s responsibility,” he wrote.
Obi concluded that inmates who complete their terms must leave prison equipped to contribute positively to society.
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