To Rehabilitate and Not Just to Convict: An Assessment of Kuje Correctional Service Centre

Abstract

The correctional service centers which house both offenders already convicted and suspects needs more attention for the sustainability of the institution. However, the correctional service centers in Nigeria appear to be the darkest region in the apparatus of the criminal justice system. The objectives of this study include; to assess the roles of Kuje correctional service center authority in the rehabilitation of convicts, to examine the extent which the rehabilitation programmes in Kuje correctional center have been able to achieve the rehabilitation of convicts. The study is guided by the rehabilitation theory. The survey research design was used to draw sample for the study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Simple percentages were employed in the analysis of data obtained from the field. Findings revealed the roles of correctional center in rehabilitation of convicts to include religious activities, vocational training, physical training and psychological treatment. Findings also revealed the extend which the rehabilitation programmes have been able to achieve the rehabilitation of inmates not to be effective and efficient. It was recommended that 21st century vocational skills such as computer training programmes should be introduced in correctional centers for rehabilitative activities. It was also recommended that Convicts should have regular access to rehabilitation programmes. It was further recommended that the correctional centers staff should develop innovative aftercare programmes that incorporate recovery, employment, and educational best practice. Keyword: Rehabilitate, Convict, Correctional Service, Programmes.

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