Delta State — July , 2025 — In a remarkable demonstration of rehabilitation and second chances, several inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Delta State Command, have commenced the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The participating inmates, drawn from various custodial centres across the state, are sitting for the exams as part of the service’s education and reformation programme designed to equip them with formal education and life-changing skills.
The Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, Mr. Patrick Okonta, who confirmed the development, stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s correctional reforms aimed at preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society after serving their terms.
“This effort is part of the broader rehabilitation policy of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, which seeks to offer reformation through access to education, skill acquisition, and moral development,” Okonta said.
He noted that the inmates had undergone intensive coaching sessions facilitated by trained educators, with full support from the correctional education unit and external partners.
Family members, human rights advocates, and civil society organisations have praised the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward criminal justice reform and the humanisation of the penal system.
The NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to education for inmates nationwide, believing it is one of the most powerful tools for reducing recidivism and building a safer society.