Educational Support as Human Capital Development Strategy for Inmates in the Maximum Security Custodial Center, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the place of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in promoting human capital development through educational support programmes for inmates in maximum security correctional centers in Rivers State. The study is premised on the recognition that education is a major tool for rehabilitation, reintegration, and reduction of recidivism among inmates. Despite the reform-oriented mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act (2019), challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, shortage of qualified instructors, and overcrowding continue to hinder the effective implementation of educational programmes within correctional facilities. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with a sample size of 400 respondents drawn from a population of 2,371 inmates and correctional personnel. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis. The findings revealed that educational support programmes, including literacy education, and access to tertiary education through institutions such as the National Open University of Nigeria, have a positive and statistically significant relationship with the Nigerian Correctional Service’s rehabilitative objectives. The study concludes that although educational support is a vital component of inmate rehabilitation in Rivers State, its full potential has not been realized due to persistent systemic challenges. It therefore recommends increased funding, improved learning infrastructures, recruitment of qualified educators, curriculum modernization, and strengthened policy implementation with enhanced collaboration with external educational institutions and stakeholders necessary to ensure sustainable human capital development and successful reintegration of inmates into society.