Enugu Prison Advances Inmate Rehabilitation Through University Education Programmes
Mirian Gom 
ENUGU, Nigeria – The Medium Security Custodial Centre in Enugu enables about 200 inmates to pursue university and postgraduate degrees, positioning education as a central pillar of inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.
Deputy Controller of Corrections overseeing the facility, Dr Sunday Igwe, disclosed this on Monday, saying most participants are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programmes through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with others studying for master’s and doctoral qualifications.
Dr Igwe says more than 102 inmates recently completed the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations, qualifying them to begin or continue higher education.
“The current leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service has prioritised humane and impact-driven reformation, especially educational upgrade and certification of inmates,” he says, praising Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche.
He explains that the centre deliberately avoids idleness. “Once they are here, we don’t keep them idle. Many arrive without basic literacy, but through education, some leave with degree certificates,” Dr Igwe adds.
Partnerships with NECO and NOUN drive the programme’s success. “Over 200 inmates in this centre are undertaking various degree-awarding courses,” he says.
With an inmate population exceeding 3,000, the programme reflects a significant institutional shift toward corrective rather than punitive incarceration. Beyond academics, inmates receive vocational training in tailoring, carpentry and welding.
Dr Igwe thanked Assistant Controller-General Prisca Oku and Enugu State Controller Valins Obizue for their support, while appealing for partnerships. “The government cannot do it alone. We call on individuals and organisations to help sustain these reforms,” he says.
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