Group donates N2.5m for inmates’ WAEC, NECO exams

In a significant boost to educational opportunities for incarcerated persons, Hope Behind Bars Africa has donated 2.5 million Naira to the Nigerian Correctional Service as part of its #LearningBehindBars campaign.

The funds, which were presented to the Controller of the FCT Command, Ibrahim Usman, at the FCT Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service, are earmarked to support inmates of Suleja and Kuje Custodial Centres in taking the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

The donation is the result of a successful crowdfunding campaign spearheaded by Hope Behind Bars Africa, an organization committed to criminal justice reform and the rehabilitation, reintegration and reformation of incarcerated persons into society.

The funds, according to the organisation, will provide educational resources and cover the exam fees for over 63 persons behind bars, giving them the opportunity to continue their education while serving their sentences.

The body added that, by empowering them through education, the initiative enhances their prospects for reintegration upon release, thus reducing chances of reoffending.

The cheque presentation was given by the organization’s Founder, Oluwafunke Adeoye and proceeded shortly after the successful launch of a Vocational Skills Hub at the Dukpa Correctional Farm Centre in Gwagwalada, FCT.

The Vocational Hub, part of Hope Behind Bars Africa’s Inside Out Hub initiative, provides inmates of the facility with training in in-demand vocational skills, such as tailoring and carpentry, to aid in their rehabilitation.

The #LearningBehindBars campaign complements the initiative by focusing on formal education, allowing inmates to sit for major national exams.

Ibrahim Usman, the Controller of the FCT Command, expressed his gratitude for the donation and commended Hope Behind Bars Africa for its sustained efforts to support the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He added that the funds would help ensure that incarcerated persons who are willing to sit for the WAEC and NECO exams have the necessary financial support.

The #LearningBehindBars campaign according to the body underscores its commitment to providing holistic rehabilitation for incarcerated persons, focusing on both vocational skills and formal education to prepare them for reintegration into society.

It called for public and private sector support to expand its initiatives and achieve humane and reformative corrections systems in Africa.