Graying Incarcerated Persons and Education Programs in Nigerian Correctional Centre

Ijeoma B. Uche PhD, University of Nigeria - NsukkaFollow
Agnes E. Okafor PhD, University of Nigeria, NsukkaFollow
Okala A. Uche PhD *corresponding author, University of Nigeria - NsukkaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Ijeoma B. Uche – ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1959-8236

Okala A. Uche – ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4508-4784

Keywords

Correctional centre, education programs, graying incarcerated persons, prisoners, rehabilitation programs

Abstract

Correctional education programs are rehabilitation programs designed for incarcerated persons in Nigerian correctional institutions. However, getting the graying incarcerated persons to participate in education programs becomes quite challenging. This study investigates graying incarcerated persons and education programs in one correctional centre. Data were collected qualitatively from fifteen (15) incarcerated individuals aged 60 years and above using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed in analyzing the data generated for the study. Findings show that there are no available education programs for graying incarcerated individuals. The study also revealed that designing education programs in such a way that it will accommodate the needs of the graying population will alleviate or soothe this category of prisoners. The study, therefore, recommends that education programs should be inclusive of different populations of incarcerated persons, especially the graying ones. Social workers have roles to play in alleviating the problems faced by graying incarcerated persons.

Author Bio

Ijeoma B. Uche is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her research focuses on Corrections in Social Work and Community Development.

Agnes E. Okafor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria Nsukka. She specializes in Medical Social Work.

Okala A. Uche is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research areas are in Community Development and Corrections in Social Work.