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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi has intervened to ensure that inmates in correctional centres across Anambra State are not barred from participating in the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations due to a lack of funds.
The ex-governor disclosed on his verified X handle on Saturday that he was approached by representatives sent by inmates from various correctional centres in the state, who presented a letter detailing their urgent needs.
According to him, the representatives told him that NECO had approved the participation of the inmates in the ongoing examinations on the condition that their fees are paid within an agreed timeframe, failing which they would be barred from continuing beyond Monday.
He revealed that a total of 148 inmates are registered for the examination across four centres: 50 in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi, and 37 in Aguata.
“The cost per candidate is N30,050, with an additional N2,000 for logistics, bringing the total financial requirement to N4,741,400,” he wrote.
Deeply moved by their appeal and the refusal of several institutions they had earlier contacted for support, Obi said he has resolved to write to the inmates’ representatives on Monday, guaranteeing that the examination fees would be paid to enable them to sit for the exams.
He also pledged to mobilise friends and well-wishers to assist in raising the required funds.
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Obi linked his commitment to his visit in April to California State University, Sacramento, where he was inspired by transformative initiatives such as the “Guidance Scholars Program,” which supports children from foster homes, and “Project Rebound,” which rehabilitates and reintegrates formerly incarcerated individuals into society.
To him, these programmes reinforced his belief in inclusive and compassionate leadership that values every human life and provides second chances as a pathway to societal growth.
While commending the Anambra initiative, Obi expressed concern about whether inmates in correctional centres across other states of the federation have access to similar educational opportunities.
He noted that many individuals end up in correctional facilities due to poor access to education and skills acquisition.
He further stressed that correctional centres were meant to be institutions of reformation, and providing education and vocational training—which should ordinarily be a government responsibility—is central to that mission.
“When individuals complete their terms, they must be properly equipped to contribute positively to themselves and society. These young men deserve a real opportunity to turn their lives around and become productive members of their communities,” Obi said.
