Nigerian Correctional Service and Human Capital Development of inmates in Maximum Security Custodial Center, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria

This study examined the role of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in the human capital development of inmates in Rivers State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on carpentry training as a vocational rehabilitation strategy. The study was anchored on the Human Capital Development Theory, which posits that investment in skills and knowledge enhances individuals’ productivity and socio-economic outcomes. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 400 respondents drawn from a population of 2,371 inmates and correctional personnel using simple random sampling. A total of 392 valid questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis with the aid of SPSS version 20.0. Findings revealed that carpentry training is positively and statistically significant in relation to the Nigerian Correctional Service’s rehabilitative functions (R = 0.194, R² = 0.038, p < 0.05), indicating that vocational training contributes to inmate rehabilitation and skill acquisition. However, the relationship was found to be weak, suggesting that carpentry training alone accounts for only a small proportion of the variation in rehabilitation outcomes. The study further identified key challenges hindering effective human capital development, including inadequate funding, shortage of qualified instructors, obsolete equipment, poor infrastructure, and limited post-release support. The study concluded that while carpentry training remains a vital tool for enhancing inmates’ employability, self-reliance, and reintegration into society, its effectiveness is constrained by systemic institutional limitations. It therefore recommended increased government funding, provision of modern training facilities, curriculum standardization, and strengthened reintegration programmes to improve outcomes. The study contributes to existing literature by highlighting the need for a more holistic and well-supported approach to correctional rehabilitation in Nigeria.