Inmate Rehabilitation and Overcrowding in Nigeria Correctional Centres:a Study of Awka Correctional Centre

this study set out to investigate inmate rehabilitation and overcrowding in nigeria co0rrectional centres: a study of awka correctional centre, this study was grounded on four (4) objectives that include identifying factors contributing to inmate overcrowding, evaluating current rehabilitation programs' effectiveness, understanding challenges in providing rehabilitation services, and proposing strategies for improvement. the study employs four criminology theories—retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and restorative justice—to frame its analysis. the total population in the prison was 573 while the target population size was 328 consists of both inmates and prison staff and the finite population correction (fpc was use to get the sample size of 231. the study tested two hypotheses for the study. the study employed the use of a well-structured questionnaire to elicit information from inmates and prison staff. the study found that as slow judicial processes, societal attitudes towards crime, and inadequate infrastructure contributing to inmate overcrowding. also it found out that specific challenges faced by correctional facilities in delivering effective rehabilitation services, including resource constraints, staff shortages, and socio-economic barriers further it was found that legislative reforms aimed at addressing systemic issues contributing to overcrowding, including bail reform, sentencing guidelines, and diversion programs, investing in staff training, infrastructure development, and resource allocation to enhance the capacity of correctional facilities to deliver effective rehabilitation services, and fostering partnerships with local communities, ngos, and other stakeholders to support inmate rehabilitation efforts and promote successful reintegration into societ are measures to minimize prison ovwercrowding.