Reps Speaker Sponsors 120 Inmates for NABTEB, NECO Exams

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has sponsored the registration of 120 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, for the 2026 National Business and Technical Examinations Board and National Examinations Council examinations.

The initiative was announced by the NCoS Public Relations Officer in the FCT, DSC Ahmed Duza, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The registration took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, where results were also presented to inmates who participated in the 2025 NABTEB and NECO examinations.

The programme formed part of activities marking Abbas’ 61st birthday and was presented as part of his support for education and rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, David Igbe, Abbas said the initiative was intended to ensure that incarceration would not prevent inmates from accessing education or opportunities for personal development.

“Today we are registering another 120 inmates for this year’s NABTEB and NECO examinations,” Abbas said.

He added that the programme reflected his commitment to ensuring that inmates could continue developing themselves and preparing for life after incarceration.

Abbas also commended the management and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service for creating an environment that supports the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.

The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, who represented the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, described education as an important part of the rehabilitation and reintegration process.

Jen thanked the Speaker for supporting the inmates and called for greater employment opportunities for people who had undergone rehabilitation.

He said many reformed inmates were capable of contributing positively to society if given opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during their time in custody.

The representative of the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Inmates Training and Productivity, SC Igomu Augustine, also commended the initiative and Abbas’ support for inmates’ education.

Igomu said the Speaker had taken a leading role in supporting the registration of inmates for NECO examinations across correctional centres.

The Education Desk Officer of the FCT Command, DSC Adikwu Owoicho, disclosed that more than 2,000 inmates had been registered for various educational programmes within the command.

He added that inmates who participated in the 2025 NABTEB and NECO examinations recorded encouraging performances.

The event also featured testimonies from beneficiary inmates, birthday tributes, prayers and the cutting of Abbas’ 61st birthday cake.