Abstract :
Purpose: This study examines the perception of prison management personnel of inmates’ accessibility and utilisation of Library Resources in writing Senior School Certificate Examination in Nigeria.
Design/methodology approach: The study is based on a questionnaire survey of the management staff (personnel) that constitutes the human resource persons of the three randomly selected major penitentiaries in Nigeria, that plan and enlist detainees for Senior School Certificate Examination, to be specific: Abakaliki jails in the South-East, Ikoyi detainment facilities in South-West and Kuje jails in North-Central Nigeria.A total of thirty-five (35) questionnaires were administered on the management staff (personnel) from the three prisons, out of which twenty-eight (28) responses, representing 80% were received and used for this study.
Key findings(s):The study revealed that inmates had free access to the library resources and with ample time to utilise the resources unhindered. However, fund was seen as a barrier to registering willing inmates for SSCE. Likewise, getting qualified instructors (Tutors) to prepare the inmates was tasking, the library was not well stocked, not managed by a qualified librarian and no budgetary provision for the library on annual basis.
Research limitation(s):The study is limited to three topographical zones in Nigeria, in particular the South-East, South-West and North-Central.
Practical implication(s):This study revealed that education behind bars need attention by the stakeholders to ensure that it thrives.
Contribution to Knowledge: The study shows that the education of prison inmates is not a waste, but a reformatory measure, as it would make inmates to be gainfully employed and more productive to the society at the end of their prison terms.
Keyword :
Prison Management Personnel–Nigeria; Prison Inmates’ Education – Nigeria; Use of Library-Prison Inmates’-Nigeria