CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION, REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION: A QUALITATIVE SURVEY OF YOUNG EX-CONVICTS IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Transiting from Prison or correctional walls to the community poses serious challenges to released convicts because there are fear and shame during and after the jail term. Most particularly, these released convicts often lack the knowledge and skills needed or required to function effectively in society. This study thus sets out to investigate how the opportunities provided by education while in prison helps young convicts to reform (rehabilitate) and subsequently reintegrate in the society. Through qualitative research approach, the study held discussions (Focus Group Discussions-FGDs) with 24 young ex-convicts of 20 to 35 years in Makurdi town with discussants divided into two groups of 12 members each. Thematic analysis was adopted in analysing data from the discussion sessions. The study found that educating convicts aids significantly in rehabilitation (reformation) and also provides self-effective skills that aid their successful reintegration into society. Also, education programmes centered on mental health and counselling help improve the mental well-being and confidence in the young ex-convicts. The study recommends a well-coordinated and comprehensive education in the prison particularly for young convicts. This is conceived to help facilitate learning, skills acquisition, rehabilitation and subsequent reintegration of released young convicts into society.