FCT correctional service expands inmate skills, education programmes
The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has made significant strides in the empowerment and rehabilitation of inmates through the enhancement of skill acquisition and educational programs across its correctional facilities.
This development was revealed in a statement released on Sunday by the FCT Command's spokesperson, Adamu Duza, who indicated that these initiatives aim to foster rehabilitation, ease re-entry into society, and decrease recidivism among released inmates.
The statement noted that since taking office, the Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Christopher Jen, has prioritized reinforcing inmate training by forming strategic partnerships with various organizations.
The command indicated that contributions of training resources from Non-Governmental Organizations have substantially increased access to vocational and educational prospects within correctional institutions throughout the FCT.
“I am very proud of the significant advancements we’ve achieved in empowering inmates through skill acquisition and education,” Jen remarked in the statement.
“These collaborations with NGOs have not only provided over 800 inmates with practical skills but are also laying the groundwork for genuine rehabilitation and a decrease in repeat offenses,” Jen continued.
The statement disclosed that inmates are presently engaged in training across a wide array of vocational skills in various correctional centers.
It revealed that “thirty-two inmates are enrolled in barbing, 35 in cap making, five in embroidery, 42 in shoemaking, 48 in tailoring, and eight in carpentry.”
Moreover, it noted that “other fields of training 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.”
In addition to these, the command mentioned “further programs such as laundry services with eight inmates, bag making with 15 inmates, artwork with six inmates, and bead making with 12 inmates.”
The statement highlighted that agricultural skills are also a prominent focus, with “200 inmates receiving training in fisheries, 78 in poultry farming, and 80 in paint production.”
The command further emphasized advancements in formal education within correctional facilities, mentioning that inmates are actively participating in recognized academic programs.
At the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, the statement mentioned that 97 inmates are registered for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board examinations, while 65 inmates are taking the National Examinations Council examinations.
Additionally, at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, 30 inmates are enrolled in NABTEB, and another 30 inmates are registered for NECO examinations.
“With 222 inmates involved in secondary education and 201 pursuing degrees at NOUN, we are demonstrating that second chances begin with education. We are thankful to our NGO partners whose contributions have brought this vision to fruition,” the statement concluded.
The statement also recalled that in October 2025, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conducted an unannounced inspection visit to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory.
This visit was made alongside the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and aimed to evaluate the overall condition of the facility as well as observe the ongoing inmate rehabilitation and reformation efforts.
During the inspection, the minister and the NBA President visited various skill acquisition centers within the correctional facility.
These included vocational workshops, educational classrooms, and ICT training units, where inmates are being equipped with essential life and trade skills to aid their smooth reintegration into society after their release.
Leave A Comment