The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for increased access to education and skills acquisition programmes for inmates across correctional facilities in Nigeria.
Obi made the appeal on Saturday in a post shared via his verified X handle, revealing that inmates from various correctional centres in Anambra State had sent representatives to him seeking support for their ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) assessments.
He explained that the inmates, who are eager to transform their lives, risk being excluded from the examinations if their fees are not paid before Monday.
“When the representatives came to me, they explained that the National Examinations Council, NECO, is working to assist the inmates by allowing them to participate in the ongoing exams, provided that the fees are paid within the agreed timeframe. Without payment, the inmates will be barred from continuing beyond Monday. Unfortunately, funding remains a major challenge,” Obi wrote.
According to him, a total of 148 inmates are registered for the exams across four facilities in Anambra State—50 in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi, and 37 in Aguata. Each candidate requires N30,050 for the registration fee and an additional N2,000 for logistics, bringing the total sum needed to N4,741,400.
Obi assured that he would formally notify the representatives on Monday, guaranteeing payment of the fees to ensure the inmates’ full participation. He added that he intends to work with friends and well-wishers to support the initiative.
The former Anambra State governor also reflected on his recent visit to California State University, Sacramento, where he was inspired by impactful programmes such as the Guidance Scholars Program for foster children and Project Rebound, which rehabilitates formerly incarcerated individuals.
“Witnessing these initiatives reinforced my belief that inclusive, compassionate leadership—which values every human life and provides second chances—is essential for building a society where everyone can thrive,” he wrote.
Obi expressed concern about whether inmates in other states enjoy similar opportunities, stressing that many offenders fall into crime due to limited access to education. He argued that correctional centres should prioritise reformation by equipping inmates with skills and learning opportunities—tasks he said should ordinarily be fulfilled by the government.
“When individuals complete their terms, they must be equipped to contribute positively to themselves and to society,” he concluded.
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