The Ogun State Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kamarudeen Adesina, has disclosed that 74 inmates of the Old Ibara Custodian Centre are currently sitting for various examinations inside the facility.
Adesina noted that 32 are presently sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), while 42 are currently writing their final Diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Masters examination in Theology.
The Controller, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday, thanked the Federal Government for their effort so far and the Ogun State Government for approving the examination centre at the Ibara custodian center.
He called for a more conducive learning environment and the provision of equipment for inmates pursuing education, noting that despite the governments efforts, correctional facilities in the state are still battling several challenges.
“We are still faced with a lot of challenges. On logistics, majority of our vehicles are not in good condition. So we are pleading to the state government, individuals and non-governmental organisations to help us.
He added that water supply was also inadequate as the existing borehole could not meet demand with the rising inmate population. “If you go to other centres like Ilaro, Oba, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, everywhere is the same thing,” he noted.
The Controller lamented that Ogun State remains the second most congested in the country, with over 4,000 inmates across all custodian centres.
“In this state we are locking over 4,000 inmates, for which ordinarily we are not supposed to have up to that. In the whole country, Ogun State
