NEWS
Abia State Expands Access to Education as 34 Correctional Centre Inmates Sit 2026 First School Leaving Certificate Examination
In a strategic move to make education accessible to every segment of society, the Abia State Government (ABSG) has successfully conducted the 2026 First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination for 34 inmates across selected correctional centres in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing pressmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Prince Kanu explained that the examination was facilitated by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, as part of the government’s efforts to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and vulnerable groups, including inmates in correctional facilities.
He said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is denied the opportunity to acquire basic education because of their circumstances, noting that education remains a powerful tool for rehabilitation, personal transformation and social reintegration.
According to the Commissioner:
“This initiative demonstrates Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to providing equitable and lifelong learning opportunities for every Abian who missed formal education earlier in life.
“This year, 15 inmates from the Umuahia Correctional Centre and 19 inmates from the Aba Correctional Centre participated in the examination, bringing the total number of participating inmates to 34.
“The correctional walls are no barriers to the acquisition of education in Abia State. Every citizen deserves a second chance through education, and this administration remains committed to making that possible,“ Prince Kanu stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, said Governor Alex Otti had completely revived the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, transforming it into a vibrant institution capable of delivering quality educational opportunities to adults and other disadvantaged groups.
He described correctional centres as institutions designed for rehabilitation rather than punishment alone, stressing that education equips inmates with the knowledge, confidence and skills required to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society after completing their prison terms.
According to him, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education collaborated closely with the management of the correctional centres by deploying qualified instructors, providing learning materials and implementing the approved curriculum to ensure that the inmates received quality instruction in preparation for the examination.
Sir Nwosu further revealed that the success of the programme has inspired greater interest among inmates, with many now enrolling for educational activities after realizing that incarceration does not prevent personal growth and academic advancement.
The initiative further highlights the Abia State Government’s resolve to promote inclusive education, expand access to lifelong learning and use education as a critical instrument for rehabilitation, empowerment and social develop
ment across the state.