The Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, has recorded progress in inmate empowerment and rehabilitation through expanded skill acquisition and educational programmes across its custodial centres.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the command, Adamu Duza, NCoS said the initiatives are aimed at promoting rehabilitation, easing reintegration into society and reducing recidivism among discharged inmates.
According to the statement, since assuming office, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, has prioritised enhancing inmate training through partnerships with various organisations.
The command noted that donations of training materials from Non-Governmental Organisations have helped widen access to vocational and educational opportunities within custodial facilities.
“I am immensely proud of the transformative progress we’ve made in empowering inmates through skill acquisition and education.
“These partnerships with NGOs have not only equipped over 800 inmates with practical skills but are paving the way for true rehabilitation and reduced recidivism,” Jen said in the statement
According to the statement, inmates are currently being trained in a wide range of vocational skills.
“Thirty-two inmates are undergoing training in barbing, 35 in cap making, five in embroidery, 42 in shoe making, 48 in tailoring and eight in carpentry. Other areas include tie and dye with 27 inmates, cosmetology with 80 inmates, building with 60 inmates, electrical work with 11 inmates and computer repair with 68 inmates.
“Additional programmes include laundry services with eight inmates, bag making with 15 inmates, artwork with six inmates and bead making with 12 inmates. Agricultural-based skills also featured prominently, with 200 inmates trained in fisheries, 78 in poultry farming and 80 in paint production,” the statement explained.
The command also highlighted progress in formal education, noting that inmates are actively pursuing recognised academic qualifications.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, 97 inmates are registered for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board examinations, while 65 are sitting for the National Examinations Council examinations. At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, 30 inmates are enrolled in NABTEB, and another 30 in NECO.
“With 222 inmates enrolled in secondary education and 201 pursuing degrees at NOUN, we’re proving that second chances start with education. Our gratitude goes to our NGO partners whose donations have made this vision a reality,” the statement added.
PUNCH Online reports that in October 2025, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, FCT. The visit, undertaken in the company of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN, was aimed at witnessing firsthand the ongoing inmates’ rehabilitation and reformation programmes as well as assessing the general state of the facility.
During the visit, the minister and the NBA President toured various skill acquisition centres within the facility, including vocational workshops, educational classrooms, and ICT training units, where inmates are being equipped with relevant life and trade skills to aid their smooth reintegration into society after release.
