Aishah Waliyullah
No fewer than 10 inmates at the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre, Ibara, Ogun State, have gained free admission into the Yewa Central College of Education, marking a major boost to rehabilitation efforts within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The beneficiaries — seven males and three females — were matriculated on Friday into various programmes, including English Language/Social Studies, Economics/Social Studies, Political Science/Social Studies, Business Education, Physical and Health Education, Economics/Political Science and Economics/Computer Science.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony held inside the correctional facility, the Provost of the college, Dr Mary Bamgbose, urged the inmates to embrace discipline and academic excellence, describing their admission as proof that society still believes in their potential for change.
She said, “Today’s ceremony is not only an academic exercise but also a celebration of transformation and hope.
You have been corrected and reformed, and we believe you can become worthy ambassadors of this institution when you regain your freedom.”
Delivering the matriculation lecture titled, ‘Education as a Rehabilitation Tool: Exploring Adult and Non-Formal Education to Reduce Recidivism’, the Officer-in-Charge of Welfare/Education Desk in Ogun State, Abdulhakeem Awesu, described education as a “window to the outside world” for inmates, noting that it reduces the psychological impact of incarceration and promotes positive reintegration.
Awesu said studies had shown that inmates who participate in educational programmes were significantly less likely to reoffend, adding that education remained one of the most cost-effective strategies for enhancing public safety.
However, he lamented that funding constraints, overcrowding, stigma, low literacy levels and limited access to learning resources continued to undermine the effectiveness of correctional education.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the college, Dare Abiodun Maxwell, read out the institution’s rules and regulations, warning the matriculants against cultism, examination malpractice and other acts capable of tarnishing the school’s image.
The Ogun State Controller of Corrections, Abioye Kamorudeen, commended the college for extending educational opportunities to inmates, describing education as a critical pillar of correctional reform.
He urged the beneficiaries to see the opportunity as a stepping stone to a better future and encouraged other inmates to embrace educational programmes available within the system.
Responding on behalf of the students, one of the matriculants, Peter Adike, pledged that they would justify the confidence reposed in them despite their incarceration, but appealed for support in addressing challenges such as shortage of teachers, books and basic learning facilities.
He said, “We are determined to make everyone proud and prove that education can truly transform lives, even behind bars.”
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
