EXTENDING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR: AN ANALYSIS OF REFORMATION AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT OF INMATES IN GOMBE STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, GOMBE

Abstract

This study was designed to analyze the moderating effect of perceived support on the relationship between antecedents of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and intention for self-employment among inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centers in Gombe state. It has been observed that some of the inmates do not utilize some entrepreneurial skills training to expose them to means of becoming self-reliant and in turn, lieu them to recommit crime leading to their reinstatement in jails. The target population of the study was (982), inmates (Gombe Central Correctional Center, 2023), who are serving their jail terms in Gombe Central Correctional Center, out of the inmates (274) were selected using Krejie. 257 questionnaires were successfully filled and returned. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages), mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed various vocational skills in which inmates engage themselves in the Gombe Correctional Centre while most of the inmates engaged more in Welding, Tailoring, and carpentry. The vocational skills acquired by inmates had a great and positive impact on their reformation and self-employment. The study, therefore, recommends that: there is a need for the Nigeria Correctional Service authorities to introduce more vocational skills acquisition programs in Gombe Central Correctional Centre; Collaborative provision should be made between the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) and other agencies as well as other Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) centers towards the promotion of rehabilitation of prison inmates through vocational skills acquisition programme.