The crime rate in Nigeria has steadily increased since 1970, which marked the end of a 3-year civil war, causing prison overcrowding and problems for prison administration. Although the aims of imprisonment in Nigeria have not been specified in statutes, it is generally assumed that the aims are retributive, deterrent, and reformative. There is a gradual movement toward an emphasis on rehabilitation. The achievement of this aim is hampered by the generally low qualifications and skills of the staff, perpetuated by low salaries and status. The classification of inmates is based in the length of sentence rather than personal characteristics. The classification problem is aggravated by the lack of diagnostic centers where sociologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers can properly test and screen inmates for various programs. Vocational training opportunities for inmates are limited, primarily due to limited funding, as are educational programs. A primary reason that official response to corrections problems has been limited in statutorily mandating modern penal practices supported by adequate funding is low citizen participation in and knowledge about enlightened correctional practices. This calls for a program of public education and a structure for citizen involvement in influencing policy. Thirty-five footnotes are provided.