Evaluation of the Impact of Prisons Reforms on the Welfare of Inmates in Mubi Zone

Abstract

In recent years, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria’s policymakers deemed it necessary to reform and transform the Nigerian Prison Service to Correctional Services owing to myriads of conspicuous challenges bedevilling the Prison service over the last few decades. This reform carried numerous essential goals among which was the improvement of the welfare of inmates. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of the prison reform on the welfare of inmates in Mubi Zone. Data was collected on 160 respondents (inmates) who were selected using a simple random sampling method. The study employed descriptive and regression methods of data analysis to achieve its objective. The descriptive method provides insights into the socioeconomic characteristics of the inmates. The descriptive results show that the largest proportion of inmates falls within the age range of 18-28 years, constituting 46.25% of the total respondents and 50% of surveyed inmates were found to be married with over 50% of them having no formal education and no employment. While majority of the inmates, comprising 49.38% of the total, are classified as short-term convicts, a significant proportion of the inmates, representing 34.38% of the total, are classified as awaiting trial. The regression results provide valuable insights into several key factors influencing the welfare of inmates after the reform. These include the availability of drugs, food, bed quality, room conditions, skills acquisition etc. The study recommends among others, that, implementing regular health assessments and preventive care measures is essential to mitigate health disparities among the incarcerated population and contribute to overall well-being. Also, improving living conditions within correctional services are paramount. Hence, enha

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