By Suleiman Shehu
Ibadan, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) – In a significant stride towards inmate rehabilitation, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Oyo State Command, has announced that 46 inmates across two facilities successfully completed the 2025/2026 NECO General Certificate Examination (GCE). The examination period, which began on November 26, concluded this past Saturday, underscoring the command’s commitment to transforming lives through education.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Olanrewaju Anjorin, provided these details in Ibadan, highlighting the dual purpose of such initiatives: to provide academic qualifications and to foster hope and purpose.
A Tale of Two Centres: Proven Success and a New Beginning
The candidates were split between two facilities, each representing a different chapter in the state’s correctional education journey:
- Agodi Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibadan: 21 inmates sat for the exam. This facility has been a consistent participant since 2018 and boasts an impressive 85% success rate, with candidates typically securing five credits, including the crucial subjects of Mathematics and English Language. This track record is not merely a statistic; it demonstrates the tangible outcomes of sustained educational programming and its role in breaking the cycle of recidivism.
- Abolongo Medium Security Custodial Centre, Oyo: 25 inmates participated, marking a transformative milestone. Earlier in 2025, Abolongo received official approval from the National Examinations Council (NECO) to operate as an examination centre. This inaugural cohort signifies the expansion of critical educational access, allowing inmates to sit for exams in a familiar environment, reducing logistical stress and fostering a more conducive atmosphere for success.
Beyond the Exam Hall: Cultivating Hope and Future Ambitions
According to Anjorin, the impact of this opportunity resonates deeply with the inmates. Candidates expressed profound gratitude, with many articulating clear academic and professional goals for life after release. This forward-thinking mindset is a core objective of rehabilitation.
“This examination has given us hope beyond these walls. We now have something concrete to build our future on,” one candidate stated.
Another inmate revealed plans to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts at the university level, illustrating how education can rekindle personal dreams and ambitions that extend far beyond the immediate goal of passing an exam. Interviews revealed that inmates approached their preparation with diligence and a renewed sense of confidence, viewing the NECO certificate as a legitimate key to unlocking future opportunities and societal reintegration.
The Strategic Roadmap: From Secondary to Tertiary Education
The Oyo State Command’s vision extends well beyond secondary school certification. Anjorin disclosed that a key part of the command’s 2026 strategic agenda is to secure approval for National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centres within both the Agodi and Abolongo facilities.
This forward-looking plan addresses a critical gap: inmates who obtain their NECO GCE but still face longer custodial sentences. The NOUN initiative would allow them to immediately channel their academic momentum into pursuing tertiary education diplomas or degrees. This ensures that rehabilitation through education is a continuous process, maximising the potential for positive transformation during the entire period of custody.
Aligning with a National Vision for Corrections
These efforts align with the broader vision of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, which recognises education as a cornerstone of effective rehabilitation. The philosophy is clear: equipping inmates with knowledge, skills, and certified qualifications is fundamental to transforming them into productive, law-abiding citizens prepared for successful reintegration. Programmes like the NECO examinations are practical steps in operationalising this vision, moving from theory to measurable outcomes that benefit both the individuals and society at large. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Moses Solanke
