Social Factors Influencing Recidivism Among Inmate in Ado Ekiti Correctional Facility

ABSTRACT This study examined reducing recidivism rates among inmates in Nigeria, a case study of Ado correctional facility. The study was guided with four research questions, the study employed quantitative method, data was collected through the use of questionnaires by distributing 248 questionnaires among the inmates in Ado correctional facilities. Also, qualitative method was also used by interviewing some of the inmates and some officers in the correctional facilities. The questionnaire and interview were the only instrument used. Chi-square analysis was used to test for relationship between variables at 0.05 level of significance. It was concluded that those poor recreational facilities, overcrowding, poor feeding and inmates’ welfare had significant effect and influence on inmates’ recidivism at the Ado-Ekiti correctional facility. Several recommendations were raised for the study such as; Government should ensure that the inmates at the correctional facilities are adequately cater for with respect to their feeding and state of health, government should ensure adequate provisions are made for recreational facility at the correctional facilities, government, through the Department of National Orientation Agency should educate young people on the danger and consequences of crime, not to see crime as a means to an end, government should provide employment opportunity for young people in order to curb the incessant rise in crime perpetuation in the society and government should keep adequate record of all convicted criminals and ensure they are properly oriented before they are released to the society after serving their terms with proper follow up mechanism to reduce the high rate of recidivism.