…as correctional center boss describes education and skills acquisition as strong factors in the rehabilitation process
Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has pledged support for establishment of schools in correctional cente.
She described establishment of schools in correctional facilities as wonderful initiative, saying it offers the inmates opportunities of living a better life when released into society.
Speaking while welcoming the new head of Onitsha Correctional Center, Deputy Controller, Micheal Anugwa to the Ministry, Chuma-Udeh commended him for the wonderful Initiatives taking place at the center.
She said, “What your administration is doing at the center is wonderful because society is dependent on it.
“If the people coming into the center left the way they were when they came in, society would suffer the consequences.”
The Commissioner said she believes so much in the power of education as it brings enlightenment, hence her strong support and maximum cooperation.
Earlier, Deputy Controller Anugwa identified inheriting correctional center that was not in tune with modern correctional facilities as major challenge he faced on the assumption of duty.
“I was faced with a correctional center devoid of proper educational facilities and conducive atmosphere for learning which was contrary to the new law governing correctional centers.
“We are empowered to recreate these people, rid them of those vices that made them come to the correctional facility so that when they leave, they leave as good citizens.
Describing education and skills acquisition as strong factors in the rehabilitation process, Anugwa said, “one factor that makes former inmates re-offend is lack of education or skills that will help earn a livelihood.
He called on the Ministry for help in ameliorating the dearth of subject teachers at the center.
