Effect of Technical, Vocational Education and Training for Rehabilitation of Prison Inmates in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State

Egbunefu Esther; Egbunefu Justice Ugochukwu

doi:10.59890/ijarss.v4i3.219

Authors

Egbunefu Esther Rivers State University
Egbunefu Justice Ugochukwu Rivers State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijarss.v4i3.219

Keywords:

Technical Vocational Education and Training, Rehabilitation, Prison Inmates

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of technical, vocational education and training (TVET) for the rehabilitation of prison inmates in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State. Specifically, it examined the effect of furniture making and carpentry in enhancing inmates’ skill acquisition, personal development, and reintegration into the society. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study, which adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised inmates, prison officials, and technical and vocational education instructors, from which a stratified random sample of 100 respondents which comprised 80 inmates and 20 instructors. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire titled Effect of Technical, Vocational Education and Training for Rehabilitation of Prison inmates Questionnaire (ETVETRPIQ), with a reliability coefficient of 0.97, and a structured interviews. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question, while z-test was applied to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that both instructors and inmates strongly agreed on the effect of furniture making and carpentry skill, with mean ratings above 4.00 across items relating to self reliance, psychological stability, employability, etc. Results further indicated no significant difference between the mean responses of officials and inmates on the effect of the training programs. Conclusively, TVET equips inmates with employable and entrepreneurial skills, reduces further crime, and enhances reintegration, while aligning training with modern industry needs such as digitalization and renewable energy strengthens sustainability. It was recommended that correctional institutions should strengthen technical, vocational education and training programs, align curricula with contemporary industry competencies, and provide adequate resources and instructor support to enhance inmate rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration

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