Speaker Sponsors Exams for 120 Inmates to Promote Education

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has helped 120 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service in the FCT by paying for their registration for the 2026 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. This initiative was announced in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

This effort is part of Abbas’ activities to celebrate his 61st birthday. The registration took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, where inmates who took part in the 2025 NABTEB and NECO exams received their results.

Abbas, represented by his Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. David Igbe, emphasized that this program aims to ensure that being in prison does not stop inmates from getting an education and improving their lives.

He expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service for creating a supportive environment for the inmates’ reform. Christopher Jen, the Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, noted that education is vital for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Jen thanked Abbas for his support and called for job opportunities for reformed inmates, highlighting their readiness to contribute to the country. He also mentioned that the command is dedicated to increasing educational chances for inmates.

SC Igomu Augustine, the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Inmates Training and Productivity, praised the initiative and the Speaker’s leadership in registering inmates for exams across various facilities. The Education Desk Officer, DSC Adikwu Owoicho, reported that over 2,000 inmates have been enrolled in different educational programs.

The event included testimonies from inmates who benefited from the program, birthday tributes, prayers, and the cutting of a birthday cake to celebrate Abbas.