The ongoing November/December Senior School Certificate Examinations of the National Examination Council are being written by 42 inmates serving various jail terms in Jos Correctional Centre (NECO).
ASC Longdiem Godfrey, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Plateau Command, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.
According to Godfrey, the 42 inmates are taking the exams at the prison’s adult school, which is located within the prison grounds.
He explained that the move was part of the service’s mandate to make prisoners useful to themselves, their families, and society after they served their sentences.
He stated that the initiative was in furtherance of the service’s obligation and mandate to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate inmates back into society.
“Knowledge is power, and the essence of having a school within the prison yard is to reform the inmates with skills while also providing them with formal education,” he explained.
He also stated that the examinations include a variety of subjects, including both practical and theoretical components.
He expressed gratitude to the individuals, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies, and government agencies who contributed to the funds used to register inmates for the examinations.
According to NAN, the examination, which began in November, will conclude in December.