Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has pledged to pay the NECO examination fees for 148 inmates across correctional centres in Anambra State. Obi made the promise after receiving representatives sent by the inmates, who appealed for urgent financial support so they could continue with their ongoing examinations.
According to Obi, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has agreed to allow inmates in several centres to participate in the exam, but only if their fees are paid before the set deadline. Without this payment, all 148 inmates will be stopped from continuing the exam from Monday.
Obi said the inmates had already appealed to various institutions for assistance, but all their requests were rejected. Moved by their situation, he assured them that he would take responsibility for the payments and would also seek support from friends and well-wishers to meet the full amount.
In the letter delivered to Obi, the inmates listed the number of candidates registered in each correctional centre. These include:
50 inmates in Awka
36 inmates in Onitsha
25 inmates in Nnewi
37 inmates in Aguata
NECO’s fee for each candidate is ₦30,050, with ₦2,000 added for logistics. This brings the total cost to ₦4,741,400 for all 148 registered inmates.
Obi said he would formally write to the representatives on Monday to guarantee that the money would be paid so that the inmates will not miss the opportunity to sit for their exams.
Obi linked his decision to a broader belief that education and skills training play a major role in reducing crime and helping former inmates reintegrate into society. He explained that many people who end up in correctional centres do so because they lacked basic education and useful skills while growing up. According to him, creating opportunities for learning inside the centres is one of the best ways to prevent repeat offences and build a safer society.
He stressed that correctional centres are supposed to be places of reform rather than mere punishment. Providing inmates with learning opportunities, he said, is a responsibility the government ought to take seriously.
“When individuals complete their terms, they must be equipped to contribute positively to themselves and to society,” Obi said. “These young men deserve a real chance to turn their lives around.”
Obi also connected his commitment to what he recently witnessed in the United States during a visit to California State University, Sacramento, in April. At the university, he learned about programmes such as the Guidance Scholars Program, which supports children from foster homes, and Project Rebound, a programme designed to rehabilitate formerly incarcerated individuals and train them for school and work.
He described both programmes as examples of how society can give people, especially the vulnerable, a second chance. Obi said these initiatives showed him that “inclusive and compassionate leadership” is essential for building a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
He highlighted that if such programmes could work abroad, then Nigeria also has the potential to adopt similar systems, particularly in correctional centres where many young people are eager to change their lives.
While Obi is stepping in to help the inmates in his home state, he expressed concern about the situation in other states. He asked whether inmates in other parts of Nigeria are given similar opportunities to sit for examinations or acquire useful skills. He stressed that education in correctional centres should not be left to chance or charity but should be part of a national plan for rehabilitation.
His concern reflects the broader problem of overcrowded and underfunded correctional facilities in Nigeria. Reports over the years have shown that many centres lack basic learning materials, trained instructors or structured rehabilitation programmes. In some states, inmates willing to take exams often rely on NGOs or private supporters to pay their fees.
Obi argued that a country with a growing youth population cannot afford to ignore the potential of inmates who want to reform themselves. He added that denying them access to education only increases the chances of repeat offences after they leave the system.
Although Obi’s political opponents may view his gesture as a publicity move, supporters see it as consistent with his long-standing public image as a leader who supports education and social investment. While serving as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, he was widely praised for improvements in the state’s school system, including rebuilding public schools and supporting mission-run institutions.
Since the 2023 elections, Obi has maintained a strong public presence, often using his platforms to support medical bills, flood victims, small businesses and educational causes. His latest intervention continues this pattern and is already sparking conversations on social media about the role of private citizens versus government institutions in supporting correctional centres.
Obi’s decision to pay the fees for the 148 inmates highlights a deeper issue: the lack of adequate government funding and planning for prison education. Many Nigerians believe that if education was available and accessible inside correctional centres, inmates would be better prepared for a fresh start after serving their time.
Human rights groups have also argued for years that Nigeria needs to reform its prison system to focus more on rehabilitation. Some groups say that failure to provide proper education, vocational training or counselling is one reason former inmates struggle to find jobs and often return to crime.
Obi’s call for a national conversation around inmate education may help revive these discussions, especially at a time when the country is dealing with rising unemployment and increasing crime rates.
For the 148 inmates in Anambra State, Obi’s promise could be a life-changing opportunity. Many of them registered for NECO because they want to obtain certificates that will help them find jobs or further their education after leaving the correctional centres.
By offering to cover the exam fees, Obi has not only removed a major barrier but also sent a message that society has not given up on them.
In his words, “Every human life has value, and everyone deserves a second chance.”
