Jailhouse scholars: 6 inmates PhD bound, 1000 others pursue first degrees

• In a significant move to address the welfare of inmates, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced an increase in the feeding allowance for prisoners
• This decision comes in the wake of a viral video that exposed inadequate feeding conditions at a correctional center in Calabar, Cross River State
• Additionally, the NCoS highlighted remarkable educational achievements among inmates, with over 1,000 pursuing university degrees and six studying for PhDs

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) revealed on Thursday that the Federal Government has increased the feeding allowance for prison inmates, following a viral video that highlighted inadequate feeding at a correctional center in Calabar, Cross River State.

During the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee’s monthly press briefing in Abuja, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar addressed the issue, attributing the increment to the rising cost of food.

Inmates pursuing Phds, first degrees. Photo source: NCoS
Source: Twitter

"The viral video is not a representation of Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates," Abubakar stated. He emphasized the significant progress made in reforming inmates since the service's name change.

6 inmates working towards Phds

Abubakar also disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, with six studying for PhDs.

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"We have over 1,000 of our inmates who are actually going through their various degree programs, 282 doing their diploma and master’s degree programs, and six that are doing their PhD programs. Three of the PhD students are already writing their thesis," he said.

The NCoS has ordered a detailed investigation into the viral video, and Abubakar noted that he could not comment further until the investigation's outcome is known. He also highlighted the Federal Government's 50 percent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates, marking the first phase of the review.

In addition to the feeding allowance, Abubakar stressed the NCoS's commitment to creating a conducive environment for inmates to fulfill its mandate of reformation and rehabilitation.

The NCoS's efforts aim to change the psyche and behavior of inmates, aiding their re-entry into society and ensuring public safety through reformatory activities.

Tension as gunmen attack Police division

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that unknown gunmen on Wednesday, September 4, attacked and destroyed facilities of the Obowo police division in Obowo council area of Imo state.

This was according to an eyewitness who spoke to Vanguard newspaper.

Source: Legit.ng