Our Reporter
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has pledged to pay the National Examinations Council (NECO) fees for 148 inmates in correctional centres across Anambra State, enabling them to continue their ongoing examinations.
Obi disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that he was approached by representatives sent by inmates who appealed for financial assistance after several institutions failed to respond to their request.
According to him, NECO had agreed to allow the inmates participate in the ongoing exams provided the fees were paid before Monday, but lack of funding threatened to deny them the opportunity.
The former Anambra governor said a breakdown of the request showed that 50 inmates were writing the exams in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi, and 37 in Aguata. Each candidate requires ₦30,050 in examination fees, plus ₦2,000 logistics costs, totaling ₦4,741,400.
“I will write to the representatives on Monday, guaranteeing that the fees will be paid so the inmates can sit for their exams,” Obi said, adding that he would collaborate with friends and well-wishers to raise the funds.
Obi recalled being inspired during his April visit to California State University, Sacramento, where he observed rehabilitation-focused academic programs such as the “Guidance Scholars Program” for foster children and “Project Rebound” for formerly incarcerated individuals. He said these models deepened his conviction that inclusive leadership must provide second chances for disadvantaged citizens.
He expressed concern over whether inmates in other states receive similar opportunities for education, stressing that many who end up in correctional centres are victims of limited access to schooling and skill acquisition.
“Correctional centres are meant to be places of reformation, and a key component of that mission is to provide opportunities for learning and skills acquisition—something that should ordinarily be the government’s responsibility,” he stated.
Obi maintained that released inmates must be adequately prepared to reintegrate and contribute meaningfully to society, insisting that every life deserves a chance to thrive.