House Speaker Abbas Bankrolls Education for 120 FCT Inmates

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has provided financial backing for the enrollment of 120 individuals incarcerated at the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command. These inmates are now registered to sit for the 2026 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. This information was released in a statement on Wednesday from Abuja by DSC Ahmed Duza, the Public Relations Officer for the NCoS in the FCT. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that this gesture formed part of the events marking Speaker Abbas’s 61st birthday celebration.

Furthermore, NAN reported that the registration process took place at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre. During this event, examination results from the 2025 NABTEB and NECO sessions were symbolically handed over to inmates who had previously participated.

Mr. David Igbe, the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, spoke on behalf of Speaker Abbas. He stated that this particular initiative reinforced the Speaker's dedication to guaranteeing that imprisonment does not hinder access to education and individual growth. Igbe quoted Abbas, saying, “Today we are registering another 120 inmates for this year’s NABTEB and NECO examinations. This is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that incarceration does not become a barrier to education, personal development and the opportunity to build a better future.”

Abbas, through his representative, also commended the leadership and personnel of the NCoS for fostering an environment conducive to the rehabilitation of those in custody.

Christopher Jen, the FCT Command’s Controller of Corrections, speaking on behalf of Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, emphasized the vital role of education in the process of inmates’ reformation, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society. He expressed gratitude to the Speaker for sharing his birthday with the inmates and advocated for job opportunities for ex-offenders, asserting their readiness to contribute positively to national progress.

Jen further affirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to broaden educational avenues for inmates, extending appreciation to Speaker Abbas and other collaborating partners for their assistance.

SC Igomu Augustine, who represented the Deputy Controller-General overseeing Inmates Training and Productivity, also praised the initiative and the consistent support for inmate education. According to Igomu, Speaker Abbas is spearheading efforts to register inmates for NECO examinations across various correctional facilities nationwide.

DSC Adikwu Owoicho, the Education Desk Officer, revealed that over 2,000 inmates within the command had been enrolled in diverse educational programmes. Owoicho also noted that inmates who sat for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO examinations demonstrated commendable performance.

The occasion included poignant testimonies from beneficiary inmates, heartfelt birthday tributes, special prayers, and the symbolic cutting of the Speaker’s 61st birthday cake.