EFFICACY OF REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION PROGRAMMES OF INMATES IN NIGERIA CORRECTIONAL SERVICE: A PILOT STUDY OF KEFFI CUSTODIAL CENTRES, NASARAWA STATE

The survival of man is education and is generally viewed as the most imperative instrument for change, progress and development by all communities the world over. The believe of scholars and have argued that educating human beings would go a long way to bring about the change desired in the development of our communities. Inmates in Nigerian Correctional facilities are part of the communities and in fact need forms of education that will prepare them for a change in life after serving their jail terms. There is no empirical evidence as to show how correctional centres are providing access to education due to the condition of the correctional centres irrespective of the nature of offenses, terms of judgments, etc. The study indicated an outcome of a study conducted on the Correctional Services in Keffi, Nasarawa State. From a population of 182 inmates, a sample of 60 was utilized for the study representing 10%. The study made used of exploratory research design. Interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) drawn from the five research questions were used as instruments. Results indicated that much have not been provided in term of recreational education activities because of the nature of the correctional centres, hence rehabilitation and reintegration of the convicts into new life after serving their jail terms is not promoted. It was established that many of the equipments in the correctional facilities are outdated which do not go along with the demand of the current situation. The study solicited for friendlier correctional services as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.