Perception of Personnel of Correctional Centers on Influence of Guidance Services on the Behaviour of Inmates at the Minna Centers, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the Perception of Personnel of Correctional Centers on the Influence of Guidance Services on the Behaviour of Inmates at the Minna Centers, Niger State. Two objectives, two research questions, and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study aimed to determine how correctional personnel perceive the role and effectiveness of guidance services in shaping inmates’ behaviour within correctional settings. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 369 correctional personnel (232 males and 137 females) drawn from the Old and New Correctional Centers in Minna, Niger State. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sampling table, a sample size of 186 personnel (111 males and 75 females) was selected through a simple random sampling technique to ensure fair representation of all departments and genders. Two instruments were used for data collection: the Perception of Guidance Services Questionnaire (PGSQ) and the Perceived Influence of Guidance Services on Inmates’ Behaviour Scale (PIGSIBS). The study concludes and revealed that educational and vocational guidance services significantly influence inmates’ attitudes and behavioural outcomes in correctional facilities. Educational guidance promotes compliance with institutional rules and fosters discipline and responsibility, while Vocational guidance reduces aggression by engaging inmates in productive skill acquisition programs. The study recommends that correctional authorities integrate educational guidance into rehabilitation programs, expand and resource vocational training opportunities, strengthen, and ensure continuous rehabilitation follow-up and aftercare services to facilitate successful reintegration and minimize reoffending.