(DDM) — Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reignited national debate after announcing that he will personally fund the examination fees of 148 inmates across several correctional facilities in Anambra State.
DDM gathered that Obi made the disclosure after receiving representatives sent by inmates from various correctional centres who appealed for urgent assistance so they could continue participating in the ongoing NECO examinations.
The inmates reportedly informed Obi that the National Examinations Council granted them permission to sit for the exams only if the required fees were paid before Monday.
They warned that failure to meet the deadline would automatically disqualify them from continuing with the examinations.
Obi explained that the inmates had approached several institutions for help, but all their appeals were rejected, leaving them stranded and at risk of missing the exams entirely.
He stated that their plea deeply moved him, prompting his immediate decision to intervene and guarantee payment.
According to the breakdown provided to him, 148 inmates are currently registered for NECO across four correctional centres in the state.
Fifty inmates are sitting for the exams in Awka.
Thirty-six are participating in Onitsha.
Twenty-five are registered in Nnewi.
Thirty-seven are writing from Aguata.
Each candidate requires ₦30,050 for examination fees.
An additional ₦2,000 is needed for logistics.
The total financial requirement amounts to ₦4,741,400.
Obi confirmed that he will officially write to the representatives on Monday to guarantee that the full amount will be paid.
He added that he would work with friends and supporters to ensure the fees are completely covered.
Obi also drew inspiration from his earlier visit to California State University, Sacramento, where he witnessed rehabilitation and support programmes such as the Guidance Scholars Program and Project Rebound.
He said the programmes demonstrated how educational and reintegration initiatives can transform the lives of people who have experienced hardship and incarceration.
Obi stressed that correctional centres should function as institutions of reformation rather than warehouses for condemned individuals.
He argued that many inmates fall into crime due to lack of education, poverty, and systemic inequality.
He questioned whether inmates in other states enjoy similar opportunities for rehabilitation and academic advancement.
He insisted that inmates must be provided with opportunities for skills development so that upon completing their sentences, they can reintegrate productively into society.
He said compassionate leadership requires giving every citizen a fair second chance.
Obi concluded that a truly reformed justice system must prioritize education and human capital development even within correctional walls.
He declared that building a new Nigeria requires policies that uplift the vulnerable rather than abandon them.
He affirmed that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
