Recognising education as a fundamental right for all, the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR) is promoting educational opportunities within correctional facilities.
Utilising innovative technology, CELSIR said it creates interactive online learning environments and facilitates registration for national examinations.
Executive Director, CELSIR, Joke Aladesanmi, said the organisation provides tailored resources and materials to support both pre-secondary and post-secondary education.
“Many incarcerated beneficiaries of this programme have successfully continued their education at the National Open University of Nigeria.
“Just like the famous quote of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.’ This belief is at the core of CELSIR’s Educational Support Programme,” Aladesanmi said.
By partnering with the Incarceration Nations Network (INN) in South Africa, the organisation has also launched the Global Freedom Scholars Network, Nigeria Chapter.
The aim is to foster a global community for those who embraced educational programmes while incarcerated and are dedicated to systemic change.
The launching, which was held on Mandela Day, was themed: “Maximising Education as a Powerful Tool for Justice-Impacted Persons.”
Aladesanmi emphasised that “access to education is a fundamental human right for incarcerated individuals, which is why the Global Freedom Scholars Network was set up.”
The highlight of the event included an extensive panel discussion addressing institutional challenges affecting justice-impacted individuals.
Esteemed stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigeria Correctional Services, Ministry of Justice, Educational Institutions, NGOs offering rehabilitation services in Correctional Centres shared invaluable insights.
Aladesanmi said: “This event marks a significant step towards building a global community dedicated to educational reform and the inclusion of justice-impacted individuals.
“By investing in the education of justice-impacted individuals, we are not only helping them build better futures but also contributing to the overall development of our society.
“CELSIR remains committed to providing legal aid, comprehensive rehabilitation and re-entry support for individuals who have been impacted by the justice system.”
