Project Abstract

Abstract
The reintegration of ex-convicts into society is a crucial aspect of criminal justice systems worldwide. In Nigeria, the aftercare services provided to ex-convicts play a significant role in their successful reintegration into society. This survey aims to explore the current state of aftercare services and the reintegration process for ex-convicts in Nigeria. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders such as ex-convicts, aftercare service providers, government officials, and community members. The quantitative survey will gather data on the types of aftercare services available, the effectiveness of these services, and the challenges faced by ex-convicts during the reintegration process. The qualitative interviews will provide in-depth insights into the experiences of ex-convicts and the perspectives of key stakeholders on the aftercare services and reintegration efforts in Nigeria. The interviews will explore the barriers to successful reintegration, the impact of aftercare services on ex-convicts' lives, and the role of community support in the reintegration process. The findings of this survey will contribute to the existing literature on reintegration and aftercare services for ex-convicts in Nigeria. By identifying gaps in the current system and highlighting areas for improvement, this research aims to inform policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of aftercare services and support the successful reintegration of ex-convicts into society. Overall, this survey seeks to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the aftercare services and reintegration process for ex-convicts in Nigeria. By exploring the perspectives of ex-convicts and key stakeholders, this research aims to provide valuable insights that can inform evidence-based interventions and policy decisions to support the successful reintegration of ex-convicts and reduce recidivism rates in Nigeria.

Project Overview

1.1 Background to the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the aftercare service and reintegration of ex-convicts in Nigeria, with particular reference to Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, the objectives of the study are:

1. 1. 1. To examine the obstacles to reintegrating ex-convicts in Akwa Ibom State.
      2. To ascertain the state of reformation and rehabilitation programmes in Nigeria Prisons Service in Akwa Ibom State.
      3. To ascertain the efficacy of the aftercare service in Akwa Ibom State

1.4 Research Questions

1. 1. 1. What are the obstacles to the reintegration of ex-convicts in Akwa Ibom State?
      2. What is the state of reformation/rehabilitation programmes in Nigeria Prison Service in Akwa Ibom State?
      3. How effective are the Aftercare Services in Akwa Ibom State?
         

         1.5 Research Hypotheses

      4. There is no relationship between the quality of reintegration programmes in the prison and successful reintegration into society after discharge.
      5. There is no relationship between the condition of prisons and successful reintegration into society after discharge.

1.6       Significance of the StudyThe findings of this study will help other researchers to carry out a qualitative and comprehensive analysis of aftercare service in other states of the federation. The result of this study will help to further educate the academic community on Nigerian prisons service strategic roles and challenges. It will give the prisoners an insight of what they will face on being released as such they could be motivated to engage in occupational and vocational training in order to make them self-reliant on discharge. It will make government to take steps in putting up a legal framework for comprehensive reform of the Nigerian prison system. The study will further assist the government to formulate crime control policy. The present policy of the government is to get criminals out of circulation by imprisonment. Less attention is paid to what happens when the convicted prisoner is released back into the society.1.7       Scope and limitation of the StudyThe study is delimited to the aftercare unit of prison in Uyo, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Abak and Ikot Abasi. Ex-prisoners, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), Employers of Labour and Community leaders in Akwa Ibom State were involved in the study. This study is limited to Akwa Ibom State. The reason for choosing Akwa Ibom State includes its proximity to the researcher, and the familiarity of the researcher with the area which facilitated the collection of data. 1.8       Definition of key concepts Aftercare services: This is a scheme introduced by the Nigerian prison service for the treatment and rehabilitation of discharged prisoners. The scheme is aimed at facilitating the re-integration of ex-convicts into the society through collaboration with NGOs, Employers of labour, community leaders etc