35 Abeokuta prison inmates matriculated into NCE programme

On Saturday, thirty-five inmates from the Ibara and Oba Custodial Centers of the Ogun State command of the Nigeria Correctional Service were officially matriculated into the NCE (National Certificate in Education) program offered by Yewa Central College of Education (YCCE) in Abeokuta. These inmates have been given the opportunity to pursue various courses in education at the institution.

During the matriculation ceremony, Dr. Mrs. Mary Oriyomi Bamgbose, the Provost of the College, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for enabling these inmates to pursue their educational dreams. She encouraged the inmates to prepare themselves for making positive contributions to society and the college through their behavior. She mentioned that over 100 students have already graduated from the Ibara Custodial Center Campus, and some of them are now students of the National Open University of Nigeria.

In his speech, the officer in charge of Ibara Custodial Center, James Ogunyomode, expressed gratitude to the Controller General of the Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, for setting this commendable precedent. He emphasized that acquiring a Western education would play a crucial role in rehabilitating the inmates, making them self-sufficient, and turning them into responsible and useful members of society upon their release.

The inmates who matriculated are set to receive lectures at the Ibara and Oba custodial center campuses to study various courses such as Business Education, Political Science, Music, Agricultural Education, Biology, Social Studies, Religious Studies, and English Language.

Oriyemi, the officer speaking on behalf of the NCoS, highlighted the role of the Service as a comprehensive reformation institution, citing the NCoS Act of 2019. He stressed that the NCoS is committed to partnering with individuals and organizations to promote inmate reformation in Nigeria. He encouraged the matriculating students and other inmates to seize the opportunity provided by the College to enhance their lives.

He reiterated that the event reflects the primary mandate of the NCoS, which is to reform and rehabilitate individuals in its care and subsequently reintegrate them into society. Oriyemi mentioned the NCoS’s continuing commitment to fulfilling its mandate through numerous academic and vocational skills acquisition programs, as well as psychosocial support for inmates.

Bamgbose, while advising the inmates to adhere to the rules and regulations of the institution, urged them to avoid actions that could tarnish the reputation of the Correctional Service.

AbdulAkeem Awesu, the Welfare Officer of the Abeokuta Correctional Centre, also shared that Correctional Centers in Ogun State currently have 119 inmates pursuing various courses at the Abeokuta Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria, as well as Yewa Central College of Education.

He mentioned that 162 inmates had successfully graduated from the College. He added that the command has partnered with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and that inmates are also receiving various vocational training and empowerment programs. Additionally, he shared their goal of having 120 inmates sit for the upcoming NECO Examination.