Obi offers to assist Prison inmates for NECO Exam

Obi

By TANKO ALI

The Presidential standard-bearer of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has extended his humanitarian work to inmates at the Correctional Centres.

Writing on his X handle on Saturday,’ Helping Inmates in knowledge and skills acquisition, the former Anambra state Governor narrated how the inmates of the correctional Centres in Anambra state wrote to him appealing for help to enable them sit for the NECO Examination.

“Today, I was approached by representatives sent by inmates from correctional centres across Anambra State. They delivered a letter outlining their needs.

“They explained that the National Examinations Council (NECO) is working to assist the inmates by allowing them to participate in the ongoing exams, provided that the fees are paid within the agreed timeframe. Without payment, the inmates will be barred from continuing beyond Monday. Unfortunately, funding remains a major challenge. They have reached out to several institutions for support, but all have declined. I was deeply moved by their appeal.

“According to the figures they provided, a total of 148 inmates are registered for the exams: 50 in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi, and 37 in Aguata. The cost per student is ₦30,050, with an additional ₦2,000 for logistics, bringing the total required to ₦4,741,400. I will write to the representatives on Monday, guaranteeing that the fees will be paid so the inmates can sit for the exams. I also assured them that I would work with friends and well-wishers to help cover the costs.

“Earlier in April, I had the honour of visiting California State University, Sacramento. I was inspired by the university’s transformative programs, including the “Guidance Scholars Program,” which supports children from foster homes, and “Project Rebound,” which rehabilitates formerly incarcerated individuals and helps them reintegrate into society.