A non governmental organisation has announced plans to sponsor West African Examinations Council fees and vocational training for selected inmates across Nigerian correctional facilities, in an initiative it described as a push to reduce recidivism and support reintegration.

The Barak and Jael Foundation unveiled the programme during a ceremony honouring Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, held on May 5 to mark his birthday.

Executive Director Kinsia Irek disclosed that the foundation had already empowered 50 inmates through vocational training in tailoring, carpentry, information and communication technology and cosmetology, with full WAEC fee sponsorship included for qualifying beneficiaries.

"This initiative is more than a birthday tribute; it is a beacon of hope for those seeking redemption," she stated.

Irek noted that the programme targets inmates within the Nigerian Correctional Service, equipping them with practical skills and educational qualifications to ease their return to society.

"We want to break barriers to education and skills acquisition and foster a Nigeria where no one is left behind. Education is the ultimate key to freedom. Together, we can turn inmates into innovators and reduce recidivism," she added.

She disclosed that the initiative was inspired by Kalu's commitment to prison reform, education and rehabilitation, and that the foundation was already collaborating with correctional authorities to ensure the programme's long term sustainability.

Irek also noted that early beneficiaries had expressed renewed hope, with many already preparing for the WAEC examinations scheduled later in the year.

The officer in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Sunday Ejeh, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the intervention and pledged that the facility would maximize the support provided to ensure proper reformation of inmates.