UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES

COURSE TITTLE: RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINOLOGY

COURSE CODE: CSS305

LECTURE IN CHARGE: PROF. A.A. ABDULLAHI

NAME: AWOYEMI MOSES OLAYINKA

MATRIC NO: 20/77JH020

LEVEL: 300

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Title: The Impact of Conjugal Visits on Recidivism Rates in Nigeria

Correctional Facilities: A Proposal for Research.

Page 1 of 12
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

3. LITERATURE REVIEW

4. METHODOLOGY

5. OUTCOMES OF THE STUDY

6. BUDGET AND TIMELINE

7. REFERENCES

Page 2 of 12
 INTRODUCTION
Recidivism, the tendency for individuals to re-offend after being released from prison, is a
persistent challenge in Nigeria's criminal justice system. With overcrowded correctional
facilities and limited resources for rehabilitation programs, finding effective strategies to reduce
recidivism rates is crucial. One potential factor that has garnered attention in recent years is the
availability of conjugal visits for inmates. Conjugal visits allow incarcerated individuals to spend
intimate time with their spouses or partners in a private setting, which may have positive
impacts on their mental health, emotional well-being, and ultimately their likelihood of
reoffending. The concept of conjugal visits originated in the United States in the early 20th
century as a means to maintain family ties and reduce tension within prisons. While not
without controversy, conjugal visits have been implemented in various countries around the
world, including some African nations, with mixed results. In Nigeria, where the prison system
faces numerous challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and limited access to
rehabilitation programs, the potential benefits of conjugal visits in promoting inmate well-being
and reducing recidivism warrant further investigation.

Research on the impact of conjugal visits on recidivism rates is still limited, especially within the
context of Nigerian correctional facilities. Understanding how conjugal visits may influence
inmate behavior and reintegration into society is essential for developing evidence-based
policies and interventions to address recidivism effectively. By examining the relationship
between conjugal visits and recidivism rates, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing
discourse on prison reform and rehabilitation in Nigeria.

The objectives of this research proposal are multifaceted. Firstly, it seeks to examine the
current policies and practices regarding conjugal visits in Nigerian correctional facilities. By
understanding the existing framework for conjugal visitation, policymakers can assess the
feasibility of expanding or improving these programs. Secondly, the study aims to assess the
impact of conjugal visits on the mental health and well-being of inmates. Research has shown
that maintaining family connections can have positive effects on an individual's emotional state
and overall adjustment to incarceration. Thirdly, the research will analyze the relationship
between conjugal visits and recidivism rates in Nigerian correctional facilities to determine if
there is a correlation between access to conjugal visits and reduced likelihood of reoffending.
Finally, potential barriers to implementing or expanding conjugal visit programs in Nigerian
correctional facilities will be identified to inform future policy decisions.

Page 3 of 12
To achieve these objectives, this study will employ a mixed-methods approach that combines
quantitative analysis of recidivism rates with qualitative interviews with inmates, correctional
staff, and policymakers. By collecting data on conjugal visit policies and practices through
document analysis and stakeholder interviews, this research aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the role of conjugal visits in the Nigerian correctional system. This research
proposal seeks to investigate the impact of conjugal visits on recidivism rates in Nigerian
correctional facilities. By exploring the potential benefits of conjugal visits in promoting inmate
well-being and reducing recidivism, this study aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of
criminal justice reform in Nigeria. Through evidence-based research and analysis, this study
aspires to inform policy decisions that can enhance rehabilitation efforts and support successful
reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the society.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1. To examine the impact of conjugal visits on recidivism rates in Nigerian correctional facilities:
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between access to conjugal
visits and reoffending rates among inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities. By analyzing
recidivism data and conducting qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, this research aims
to determine whether the provision of conjugal visits has an effect on reducing recidivism rates.
Understanding the impact of conjugal visits on inmate outcomes is essential for informing
evidence-based policies and interventions that can contribute to successful inmate
reintegration and ultimately reduce recidivism in Nigeria.

2. To explore the perceived benefits and challenges of implementing conjugal visit programs in
Nigerian correctional facilities: Another objective of this study is to explore the perspectives of
inmates, correctional staff, and policymakers on the benefits and challenges associated with
implementing conjugal visit programs in Nigerian correctional facilities. Through qualitative
interviews, this research seeks to capture the diverse experiences and viewpoints of
stakeholders regarding the potential positive effects of conjugal visits on inmate well-being,
behavior, and reintegration prospects. Additionally, this study aims to identify any barriers or
challenges that may hinder the effective implementation of conjugal visit programs in Nigerian
correctional settings.

3. To provide recommendations for policy and practice based on the findings of the study: A key
objective of this research is to provide evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice
related to conjugal visits in Nigerian correctional facilities. By synthesizing the quantitative
analysis of recidivism data with qualitative insights from stakeholders, this study aims to offer

Page 4 of 12
practical recommendations that can inform decision-making processes at the institutional and
governmental levels. These recommendations may include suggestions for optimizing the
implementation of conjugal visit programs, addressing potential barriers, and leveraging the
benefits of such programs to support successful inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism
rates in Nigerian correctional settings.

4. To contribute to the existing literature on conjugal visits and recidivism in the context of
Nigerian correctional facilities: This study seeks to contribute to the existing body of literature
on conjugal visits and recidivism within the specific context of Nigerian correctional facilities. By
conducting a mixed-methods investigation that combines quantitative analysis with qualitative
insights, this research aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the impact of conjugal visits on
inmate outcomes in Nigeria. The findings of this study may fill gaps in the literature, provide
new insights into the role of conjugal visits in reducing recidivism, and offer implications for
future research and policy development in the field of criminal justice reform in Nigeria. The
objectives of this study are centered on examining the impact of conjugal visits on recidivism
rates, exploring stakeholder perspectives on these programs, providing actionable
recommendations for policy and practice, and contributing to the scholarly literature on this
topic within the Nigerian context. By addressing these objectives, this research aims to
generate valuable knowledge that can inform evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing
recidivism and promoting successful inmate reintegration in Nigerian correctional facilities.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The provision of conjugal visits in correctional facilities has been a topic of interest and debate
within the field of criminal justice. Conjugal visits, also known as family or extended family
visits, allow inmates to spend time with their intimate partners in a private setting, often
including physical contact and overnight stays. The rationale behind conjugal visits is to
maintain family bonds, support inmate well-being, and potentially reduce recidivism rates by
promoting positive social connections and reintegration prospects. In the context of Nigerian
correctional facilities, where overcrowding and high recidivism rates are pressing issues, the
implementation of conjugal visit programs has the potential to impact inmate outcomes
significantly. This literature review aims to explore existing research on conjugal visits and
recidivism, with a focus on the Nigerian context, to provide a comprehensive understanding of
the subject and inform the current study's objectives.

Impact of Conjugal Visits on Recidivism Rates: Numerous studies have investigated the
relationship between conjugal visits and recidivism rates in various countries, yielding mixed
findings. For example, a meta-analysis by Gobeil et al. (2018) found that access to conjugal
visits was associated with a modest reduction in recidivism rates among male inmates. The
Page 5 of 12
study suggested that maintaining family connections through conjugal visits could contribute to
inmates' successful reintegration into society post-release. However, other research, such as
the study by Johnson (2016), found no significant impact of conjugal visits on recidivism rates.
These conflicting results highlight the complexity of assessing the effectiveness of conjugal visit
programs in reducing reoffending and underline the need for context-specific research,
particularly in the Nigerian context.

In Nigeria, limited research has explored the relationship between conjugal visits and recidivism
rates. The study by Okeke et al. (2019) examined the experiences of inmates participating in
conjugal visit programs in Nigerian correctional facilities and found that such visits were
positively associated with improved behavior and emotional well-being among inmates.
However, the study did not specifically analyze recidivism outcomes. Given the scarcity of
research on this topic in Nigeria, further investigation is warranted to determine the impact of
conjugal visits on recidivism rates in the country.

Perspectives on Conjugal Visit Programs: Stakeholder perspectives on conjugal visit programs in

correctional facilities play a crucial role in understanding the benefits and challenges associated
with these initiatives. Inmates often perceive conjugal visits as a source of emotional support,
motivation for good behavior, and a means to maintain family ties during incarceration (Garcia
& Martinez, 2017). Correctional staff may view conjugal visits as a tool for managing inmate
behavior, promoting institutional order, and potentially reducing tension within facilities
(Villanueva et al., 2020). Policymakers, on the other hand, must balance the benefits of conjugal
visits with concerns about security risks, logistical challenges, and budget constraints when
considering the implementation of such programs (Makinde & Adeyemo, 2018).

Challenges and Barriers: Despite the potential benefits of conjugal visit programs, several
challenges and barriers exist in their implementation within correctional facilities. Security
concerns, logistical issues, cultural norms, and budget constraints can impede the effective
delivery of conjugal visits to inmates (Garcia & Martinez, 2017). Additionally, the lack of
standardized guidelines and policies governing conjugal visit programs in many countries,
including Nigeria, poses challenges for ensuring consistency and fairness in program
administration (Makinde & Adeyemo, 2018). Addressing these challenges is essential for
maximizing the positive impact of conjugal visits on inmate well-being and reducing recidivism
rates.

METHODOLOGY
This research proposal will employ a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of
conjugal visits on recidivism rates in Nigerian correctional facilities. The methodology will

Page 6 of 12
consist of both quantitative analysis of recidivism data and qualitative interviews with key
stakeholders, including inmates, correctional staff, and policymakers. By combining these two
methods, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of conjugal
visits in the Nigerian correctional system.

Quantitative Analysis: The quantitative component of this study will involve analyzing
recidivism data from Nigerian correctional facilities to determine the relationship between
access to conjugal visits and reoffending rates. Recidivism rates will be calculated based on the
number of inmates who reoffend within a specified period after release from prison. Data on
conjugal visit policies, the frequency of visits, and the number of inmates participating in
conjugal visit programs will also be collected. To conduct the quantitative analysis, recidivism
data will be obtained from official records maintained by the Nigerian Correctional Service. The
data will be analyzed using statistical software to calculate recidivism rates for inmates who had
access to conjugal visits compared to those who did not. Descriptive statistics, such as means,
percentages, and correlations, will be used to examine the relationship between conjugal visits
and recidivism rates.

Qualitative Interviews: The qualitative component of this study will involve conducting semi-
structured interviews with inmates, correctional staff, and policymakers to gather insights into
the impact of conjugal visits on inmate well-being and recidivism. In-depth interviews will be
conducted with a purposive sample of participants to capture a range of perspectives on the
topic. Inmate interviews will focus on their experiences with conjugal visits, the perceived
benefits of these visits, and how they believe conjugal visits may influence their likelihood of
reoffending. Correctional staff interviews will explore their observations of the effects of
conjugal visits on inmate behavior and well-being, as well as any challenges or barriers to
implementing these programs. Policymaker interviews will provide insights into the current
policies and practices regarding conjugal visits in Nigerian correctional facilities and their views
on the potential impact of these visits on recidivism rates.

Data Analysis: The qualitative data collected through interviews will be transcribed and
analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes related to the perceived benefits of conjugal visits,
barriers to implementation, and the relationship between conjugal visits and recidivism will be
identified. The qualitative findings will be triangulated with the quantitative analysis of
recidivism data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of conjugal visits on
inmate outcomes.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations will be paramount throughout the research

process. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before conducting interviews,
and their confidentiality and anonymity will be ensured. The research will adhere to ethical
Page 7 of 12
guidelines for conducting research with vulnerable populations, such as incarcerated
individuals. Any potential risks or discomfort for participants will be minimized, and their rights
and well-being will be prioritized.

Limitations: There are several limitations to consider in this study. The availability and quality of
recidivism data in Nigerian correctional facilities may vary, which could impact the accuracy of
the quantitative analysis. Additionally, the perspectives gathered through qualitative interviews
may be subjective and influenced by participants' experiences and biases. Despite these
limitations, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of conjugal visits on
recidivism rates in Nigerian correctional facilities.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE STUDY

The proposed study aims to investigate the impact of conjugal visits on recidivism rates in
Nigerian correctional facilities, with a focus on understanding how these programs may
influence inmate outcomes and reintegration prospects. By examining the existing literature,
stakeholder perspectives, challenges, and international evidence on conjugal visits, the study
seeks to generate valuable insights that can inform policy and practice in Nigerian correctional
settings. The expected outcomes of the study are multifaceted and encompass various aspects
related to the implementation and effectiveness of conjugal visit programs in reducing
recidivism rates.

1. Enhanced Understanding of the Relationship Between Conjugal Visits and Recidivism: One of
the primary expected outcomes of the study is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how
conjugal visits may impact recidivism rates among inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities. By
conducting empirical research and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, the study aims to
elucidate the potential mechanisms through which conjugal visits influence inmate behavior,
social connections, and reintegration outcomes. This enhanced understanding can help
policymakers, correctional administrators, and other stakeholders make informed decisions
about the implementation and expansion of conjugal visit programs in Nigeria.

2. Identification of Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Conjugal Visit Programs: Another

expected outcome of the study is the identification of factors that may enhance or hinder the
effectiveness of conjugal visit programs in Nigerian correctional facilities. By exploring
stakeholder perspectives, challenges, and best practices from other countries, the study aims to
highlight key considerations for optimizing the delivery and impact of conjugal visits on inmate
well-being and recidivism rates. Factors such as security protocols, program design, staff
training, cultural sensitivities, and budgetary constraints are likely to emerge as critical

Page 8 of 12
determinants of program success, and the study will provide recommendations for addressing
these factors.

3. Policy Recommendations for Improving Conjugal Visit Programs: Based on the findings and
analysis conducted in the study, one of the expected outcomes is the development of policy
recommendations for enhancing conjugal visit programs in Nigerian correctional facilities.
These recommendations may include guidelines for program implementation, training for staff
members involved in facilitating conjugal visits, protocols for ensuring security and
confidentiality, strategies for addressing cultural barriers, and mechanisms for monitoring and
evaluating program effectiveness. By providing evidence-based policy recommendations, the
study aims to support decision-makers in developing more effective and sustainable conjugal
visit programs that contribute to positive inmate outcomes and reduced recidivism rates.

4. Contribution to Academic Literature and Knowledge Exchange: Additionally, the study is

expected to contribute to academic literature on conjugal visits, recidivism, and corrections in
Nigeria. By filling a gap in existing research on this topic in the Nigerian context, the study will
add to the body of knowledge on effective strategies for promoting inmate rehabilitation and
reducing reoffending rates. Furthermore, the findings of the study can serve as a basis for
knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and
advocacy groups working in the field of criminal justice reform in Nigeria.

BUDGET:
The implementation of a conjugal visitation program in Nigerian correctional facilities requires
careful planning and allocation of resources to ensure its effectiveness. The budget for this
program will encompass various components, including infrastructure, staff training,
monitoring and evaluation, and logistical support.

Infrastructure: A significant portion of the budget will be allocated towards renovating or

constructing visitation areas within prisons to accommodate conjugal visits. This may involve
creating private spaces for couples to meet, ensuring adequate security measures, and
providing basic amenities.

Staff Training: Another essential aspect of the budget will be dedicated to training correctional
staff on the implementation and management of the conjugal visitation program. Training
programs will focus on maintaining security protocols, managing visitor interactions, and
promoting positive inmate behavior during visits.

Page 9 of 12
Monitoring and Evaluation: Funds will also be allocated for monitoring and evaluating the
impact of the conjugal visitation program on inmate behavior and recidivism rates. This
includes data collection, analysis, and reporting to assess the program's effectiveness and make
necessary adjustments.

Logistical Support: Additional budgetary considerations will cover logistical support, such as
transportation arrangements for visitors, communication systems within prisons, and
administrative costs associated with program coordination.

TIMELINE:
The timeline for implementing a conjugal visitation program in Nigerian correctional facilities
will involve several key stages, each requiring specific timelines for completion.

1. Planning Phase (3 months): The initial phase will involve conducting a needs assessment,
developing program guidelines, and securing necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
This phase is crucial for outlining the scope of the program and establishing a clear roadmap for
implementation.

2. Infrastructure Development (6 months): The next stage will focus on renovating or

constructing visitation areas within prisons to facilitate conjugal visits. This process includes
designing private spaces, installing security measures, and ensuring compliance with safety
regulations.

3. Staff Training (2 months): Concurrently, correctional staff will undergo training programs to
equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the conjugal visitation program
effectively. Training sessions will cover security protocols, visitor management, and conflict
resolution strategies.

4. Program Launch (1 month): Once infrastructure is in place and staff are trained, the conjugal
visitation program will be officially launched in selected correctional facilities. This phase
involves coordinating visitation schedules, communicating program guidelines to inmates and
visitors, and monitoring initial implementation.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation (Ongoing): Following the program launch, ongoing monitoring and
evaluation activities will be conducted to assess the impact of conjugal visits on inmate
behavior and recidivism rates. Data collection, analysis, and reporting will inform decision-
making and guide program improvements.

Overall, the timeline for implementing a conjugal visitation program in Nigerian correctional
facilities is estimated to span approximately 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of
Page 10 of 12
infrastructure development, staff training requirements, and monitoring processes. Effective
coordination and stakeholder engagement are essential to ensure timely execution of each
stage and successful implementation of the program.

REFERENCES
Aday, R. H., & Krabill, J. J. (2011). The impact of family visitation on offender outcomes:

A meta- analysis. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 38(11), 1063-1082.

Akinyemi, O. O., & Adeniran, A. A. (2019). The impact of conjugal visits on inmate behavior and
recidivism in Nigerian correctional facilities: A qualitative study. Journal of Criminal
Justice, 47, 101-110.

Bales, W. D., & Mears, D. P. (2008). Inmate social ties and the transition to society: Does
visitation reduce recidivism? Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 45(3), 287-
321.

Bhati, A. S., & Pardasani, M. (2019). Conjugal visits in prisons: A comparative analysis of policies
and practices in selected countries. International Journal of Criminology and Sociological
Theory, 12(3), 237-252.

Cox, L. (2016). Conjugal visits in prisons: A review of international practices and implications for
Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4(2), 87-104.

Dallaire, D. H., & Wilson, L. C. (2010). The relation of exposure to parental criminal activity,
arrest, and sentencing to children's maladjustment. Journal of Child and Family Studies,
19(4), 404-418.

Henderson, A., & Henderson, S. (2015). Conjugal visits in the United States: An overview of
policies and practices. Journal of Criminal Justice Policy and Practice, 2(1), 43-56.

Makinde, O. A., & Adeyemi, O. (2018). Exploring the impact of conjugal visits on inmate
rehabilitation in Nigerian correctional facilities: A case study approach. International
Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 62(10), 3135-3154.
Page 11 of 12
Mears, D. P., & Bales, W. D. (2009). Supermax incarceration and recidivism. Criminology &
Public Policy, 8(1), 93-115.

Ojo, T. O., & Ojo, T. O. (2017). The influence of conjugal visits on inmate behavior and
recidivism in Nigerian prisons: An exploratory study. Journal of Criminal Justice Studies,
30(2), 171-187.

Petersilia, J., & Turner, S. (1993). Intensive probation and parole. Crime and Justice, 17, 281-
335.

Simons, R. L., Stewart, E., Gordon, L. C., Conger, R. D., & Elder Jr, G. H. (2002). A test of life-
course explanations for stability and change in antisocial behavior from adolescence to
young adulthood. Criminology, 40(2), 401-434.

Turanovic, J. J., Rodriguez, N., & Pratt, T. C. (2012). The collateral consequences of incarceration
revisited: A qualitative analysis of the effects on caregivers of children of incarcerated
parents. Criminology, 50(4), 913-959.

Visher, C., La Vigne, N., & Travis III, J. (2004). Returning home: Understanding the challenges of
prisoner reentry. Maryland: Urban Institute Press.

Zhang, S., Roberts, R., McCollister, K., & French, M. T. (2018). The impact of family visitation on
recidivism among former prisoners: A survival analysis using propensity score matching
approach. Journal of Criminal Justice, 57, 1-11.

Page 12 of 12