Over 1,000 Inmates Pursuing Degrees, Six Studying for PhDs – NCoS

In a recent development, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that over 1,000 inmates across various correctional centers are pursuing higher education, with six inmates currently studying for PhDs. This announcement came from the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, during the monthly press briefing of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja on Thursday.

Abubakar highlighted that the Federal Government had also increased the feeding allowance for inmates by 50%, a response to the rising cost of food and complaints about inadequate feeding in correctional centers. This move follows the emergence of a viral video in which inmates at a facility in Calabar, Cross River State, voiced concerns over insufficient food supplies.

Addressing the video, Abubakar clarified, “The viral video is not a true reflection of the Nigeria Correctional Service’s mission on reformation and rehabilitation. A detailed investigation into the video has been ordered, and we are awaiting the findings.”

He further emphasized the commitment of NCoS to inmate reformation, noting that significant strides have been made since the service’s rebranding. “We have created a conducive environment for inmates to engage in educational and vocational programs, ensuring their successful reintegration into society,” he said.

According to Abubakar, apart from the six PhD candidates, 282 inmates are pursuing diploma and Master’s degree programs, while over 1,000 are enrolled in undergraduate courses. Three of the PhD students have already begun writing their theses.

The NCoS spokesperson concluded by underscoring the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Our reformatory activities aim to change the psyche and behavior of inmates, equipping them with skills that will aid their re-entry into society.”

These efforts, he noted, are part of the service’s broader mandate to promote public safety through reformation and rehabilitation.