Education has over time been established as a strong tool for change; both for man and society. Consequently, in the Nigerian correctional system highly burdened with congestion, underfunding, and negligence, prison education programs may hold the key to genuine rehabilitation. 

For too long, prison education has been treated like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the correctional process. We know this because we actively engage in prison education, rehabilitation and reintegration of justice-impacted individuals. 

Nonetheless, amongst other institutions, universities have the resources, know-how, and social responsibility to change this narrative. By actively engaging in promoting prison education, they would be able to convert prisons into spaces of learning, growth, and second chances.

 

The State of Prison Education in Nigeria

Nigeria’s prisons are overcrowded and under-resourced, with over 80,000 inmates, many of whom are awaiting trial. While the Nigerian Correctional Service provides basic literacy and vocational programs in some facilities, the scale and impact of these efforts are limited. Many incarcerated persons do not even have any chances to take up valuable learning activities. 

 

Why Universities Should Get Involved

With their expertise, infrastructure, and focus on research, they bring structure, innovation, and credibility into programs aimed at prison education. It is not just about helping justice-involved individuals but making the most of such institutions in combating societal problems.

• Building Structured Learning Programs

Universities can design programs to suit the needs of justice-involved individuals, which could incorporate practical skills like entrepreneurship and technology training, together with academic knowledge. This will ensure that incarcerated students are not only learning but also preparing for their future.

• Expanding Distance Learning

The possibility of what can be done with distance learning is already being demonstrated by our in-prison educational programmes across several adult and juvenile centres in Lagos.  Our prison education programs have enrolled over 500 incarcerated students for qualifying national examinations, offering higher education to these individuals behind bars. This model should be replicated across universities nationwide. 

• Contributing to Policy and Research

Universities should have a leading role in studying what works and what does not when it comes to prison education. They would be able to provide valuable data and insights that shape policies and help make these programs more effective.

 

The Challenges Ahead

-Funding: Most universities already operate on very lean budgets, and the addition of prison education programs would further stretch these. 

-Infrastructure: Almost all prisons lack basic facilities such as libraries or decent classrooms, which makes the delivery of education a logistical nightmare. 

-Public Perception: There is considerable scepticism, if not outright opposition, to investing in inmates’ education when so many law-abiding citizens lack quality learning opportunities.

These challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable. With the right partnerships and a clear vision, universities can overcome such barriers and create meaningful change.

Success Stories in Nigeria

Some universities have already set the ball in motion:  

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

The National Open University of Nigeria pioneered prison education in Nigeria, running different degree programs for thousands of incarcerated students throughout the country. Some who have taken such opportunities have graduated and are pursuing postgraduate degrees. This proves that incarcerated people, when given good opportunities, do wonders.

University of Ibadan 

The University of Ibadan runs smaller-scale programs in correctional facilities, focusing on vocational training and counselling incarcerated individuals. Though these programs are not as expansive as what NOUN is doing, they prove that even modest interventions can make a difference.

 

Conclusion

The correctional facilities in Nigeria are in urgent need of reform, and education should be at the core of this process. We remain committed to strengthening collaborations and partnerships in education to further the cause of justice for people behind bars. It is now time for universities to seize this opportunity to take the lead and use their resources and expertise to transform lives and strengthen communities.