THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 23, No. 1, June 2025
Pages 177-189
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/5202.32.0101
The Role of Nigeria’s Correctional Service and its Effectiveness in Rehabilitating Offenders: A Study of Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja
1 Zainab H. Albishir, 2 Ifeanyi Onwuzuruigbo, 1 Onyekachi Nnabuihe, and 3 Olufolakemi V. Adedeji
1 Department of Criminology, Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria
2 Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
3 Department of Psychology, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of Nigeria’s Correctional Service in rehabilitating offenders, with a focus on Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja. The central problem addressed is the high rate of recidivism and whether the rehabilitation programmes are effective in reducing this trend. The purpose of the study was to assess the types of rehabilitation programmes available, their effectiveness, and the challenges faced in implementing these programmes. Relying on rehabilitation theory and the routine activity theory, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, gathering data from both inmates and prison officials at Kuje Correctional Center using a questionnaire and interviews. The study found that a variety of rehabilitation programmes are available at Kuje Correctional Center, including educational programmes, vocational training, counselling, and substance abuse programmes. The findings indicate that while many inmates engage with these programmes, there is significant room for improvement in terms of participation and effectiveness. Major challenges identified include inadequate resources, lack of trained personnel, and insufficient post-release support. The study concludes that the rehabilitation programmes at Kuje Correctional Center have potential but are currently underutilized and face significant challenges. To enhance effectiveness, it is recommended that the Nigerian Correctional Service increases investment in rehabilitation programmes, provide better training for staff, and develop comprehensive post-release support systems to ensure successful reintegration of inmates into society.
Keywords : Correctional centre, recidivism, rehabilitation programmes, Kuje inmates