Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has pledged to fund the National Examinations Council fees for 148 inmates across correctional centres in Anambra State. Obi made the commitment on Sunday after receiving a delegation representing inmates from the facilities in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Aguata.
He said the inmates were at risk of being stopped from continuing their examinations unless the outstanding fees were cleared within a set deadline. According to him, the representatives explained that NECO had approved their participation provided all fees were settled. Many of the inmates had already begun their examinations but were uncertain about completing them due to lack of funding.
Based on figures presented to Obi, 50 inmates were registered in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi and 37 in Aguata, making a total of 148 candidates. Each candidate is required to pay ₦30,050 for examination fees, while ₦2,000 is also needed for logistics, bringing the total financial cost to ₦4,741,400. Obi said he had assured the delegation that he would guarantee payment and work with associates and supporters to ensure the funds were raised in time.
“I will write to the representatives on Monday to guarantee that the fees will be paid so that the inmates can continue with their examinations,” he said. He noted that education remained a key tool for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Obi also drew ideas from his recent visit to California State University, Sacramento, where he saw programmes designed to support vulnerable and formerly incarcerated persons. He referenced the Guidance Scholars Programme, which supports children from foster homes, and Project Rebound, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals return successfully to society through education.
He said the experiences strengthened his belief in inclusive leadership that values second chances and creates social support systems that help national growth. The former governor also raised concerns about the wider state of inmate education across Nigeria, noting that learning opportunities in many correctional centres remained limited.
He argued that many people who end up in correctional facilities do so due to lack of access to education and economic opportunity. According to him, correctional centres should exist as places of reformation rather than punishment alone, with education and skills training forming major parts of their purpose.
“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 and become productive members of the community.”
