Peter Obi Pays NECO Fees For 148 Inmates In Anambra

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, on Friday paid the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination fees for 148 inmates in correctional centres across Anambra State.

The Anambra State Coordinator of NECO, Mrs Emilia Njoku, said she was taken by surprise when Mr Obi made an unannounced visit to the council’s state office in Awka to present a cheque covering the cost of the examinations.

Mrs Njoku said staff initially became curious when a convoy of vehicles arrived at the office, only to discover that Mr Obi had come personally, without prior notice, to settle the fees of the inmates.

Addressing NECO staff, Mr Obi explained that inmates from correctional centres in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Aguata (Ekwulobia) had earlier visited him in Onitsha to explain their situation.

Although NECO had approved their participation in the examinations, a letter of undertaking from a guarantor was required before payment could be made.

He said he immediately issued the required undertaking, guaranteeing payment of the fees.

According to him, after sharing the intervention on social media, the Nigerian Friendship Association, USA, through its non-profit arm, Friendship Association Education Assistance, Inc., contacted him and offered to support the initiative.

Mr Obi said he was inspired by the organisation’s gesture, noting that collective goodwill could help restore dignity and create opportunities for disadvantaged persons, not only this year but in the future.

“It was to formally present the cheque,” Mr Obi said, adding that the total cost of the fees and logistics amounted to ₦4,741,400.

Mrs Njoku said previous appeals to individuals and organisations to assist the inmates had been unsuccessful, expressing surprise that Mr Obi voluntarily provided the undertaking and paid the full amount.

A professor of mass communication, Chinyere Stella Okunna, who accompanied Mr Obi, described the intervention as noble and deserving of the highest commendation.

Of the 148 beneficiaries, 50 are from the Awka correctional centre, 36 from Onitsha, 25 from Nnewi, and 37 from Aguata.

Mr Obi said he was deeply moved by the inmates’ appeal and emphasised that education is a vital tool for rehabilitation and reintegration. Drawing from his recent visit to California State University, Sacramento, he said correctional centres should function as true centres of reform, with education placed at the heart of their mandate.