- The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that there are currently 3,590 inmates on death row across Nigeria's custodial centres
- As of September 3, 2024, the Nigeria Correctional Service reports a total of 84,741 inmates in custody, with a significant proportion awaiting trial, highlighting ongoing challenges in the system
- The NCoS has announced progress in inmate education and rehabilitation, with 1,282 inmates currently enrolled in various academic programmes at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) said that the Service has made notable strides in enhancing inmate treatment and care, focusing particularly on personal reformation, rehabilitation initiatives, and effective reintegration into society.
It noted that the collaboration between the NCoS and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has produced tangible outcomes, with 1,282 inmates registered at the NOUN special study centre as of 31 August 2024 participating in various academic programmes, including advanced degrees.
This was disclosed by the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, during an interview with journalists on Wednesday, September 4, in Abuja.
62 inmates pursuing academic programmes at NOUN
Speaking on the breakdown of the programmes, Umar said, “A breakdown according to their various programmes includes: the total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Bachelor of Science degrees as of 31 August is 1,215.
“The total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees as of 31 August is 62.
“Also, the total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Doctor of Philosophy degrees is five, with three currently writing their thesis,” he said.
Inmate population reaches 84,741, 3,590 on death row
Umar noted that, as of September 3, 2024, there were 84,741 inmates in centres across the country, with 82,821 males and 1,920 females, with a minimum of 3,590 inmates awaiting execution on death row. There were 57,750 awaiting trial inmates, including 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
“The breakdown according to their categories is as follows: convicted inmates are 21,900, comprising 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers are 1,501, comprising 1,478 males and 23 females.
“The total number of inmates on death row is made up of 3,517 males and 73 females, making a total of 3,590,” he said.
High number of awaiting trial inmates poses challenge - Umar
Umar noted that the high number of awaiting trial inmates constitutes the majority in custody, posing a substantial challenge to the service.
He assured, however, that the Service is actively working to address the issue and expedite judicial processing for Awaiting Trial Persons.
“Thanks to the initiative and backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, we successfully reduced the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines and/or compensation.
“The Service is also tackling custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, the expansion of community sentencing, improvement of court logistics, and the implementation of various decongestion measures, in addition to the release of inmates,” he said.
Umar pointed out that the Service's initiatives to collaborate with other agencies have been successful, resulting in improved security and favourable outcomes at and around custodial facilities.
He said, “The Service has taken steps to reinforce the security of custodial facilities against external threats, and we have maintained a stable and secure environment within our facilities, with no incidents of internal insurrection.”
Nigerian universities announce post-UTME dates for prospective students
Nigerian universities have begun setting dates for their entrance exams, otherwise known as the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (post-UTME).
TheRadar compiled the dates for Nigerian universities that would hold Post-UTME for applicants and prospective students