Thirty-four inmates in correctional centres across Abia State have sat for the 2026 First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination under the state government initiative aimed at expanding access to basic education and promoting the rehabilitation of inmates through learning.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, facilitated the participation of the inmates in the examination as part of the state’s commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible to all citizens, irrespective of their circumstances.
According to the commissioner, 15 inmates from the Umuahia Correctional Centre and 19 from the Aba Correctional Centre participated in the examination.
He said the initiative reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for citizens who were unable to complete formal schooling.
“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.
“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 said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, organised the maiden edition of the 2026 Abia State Mathematics Kings and Queens Competition, which attracted more than 600 pupils and students from public and private schools across the state.
According to him, the competition is designed to encourage interest in Mathematics, reward academic excellence and promote healthy academic competition among learners.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, said the Otti led administration has revitalised the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education and enabled it to deliver quality educational opportunities to adults and other disadvantaged groups.
He described correctional centres as institutions of rehabilitation and said education equips inmates with the knowledge and skills needed to become productive members of society after serving their sentences.
Nwosu said the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education worked closely with correctional authorities by deploying instructors, providing learning materials and implementing the approved curriculum.
He added that increasing numbers of inmates were expressing interest in the programme because they had come to realise that incarceration need not be a barrier to personal development.
