The Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, has recorded notable progress in inmate empowerment and rehabilitation through the expansion of skill acquisition and educational programmes across its custodial centres.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the FCT Command, Adamu Duza, who said the initiatives are designed to promote rehabilitation, facilitate reintegration into society and reduce recidivism among released inmates.
According to the statement, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, has since assuming office placed strong emphasis on strengthening inmate training through strategic partnerships with various organisations.
The command stated that donations of training materials by Non-Governmental Organisations have significantly expanded access to vocational and educational opportunities within custodial facilities across the FCT.
“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.
The statement revealed that inmates are currently undergoing training in a broad range of vocational skills across different custodial centres.
It disclosed that “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.”
It further stated that “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.”
According to the command, “additional programmes include laundry services with eight inmates, bag making with 15 inmates, artwork with six inmates and bead making with 12 inmates.”
The statement added that agricultural-based skills also featured prominently, with “200 inmates trained in fisheries, 78 in poultry farming and 80 in paint production.”
The command also highlighted progress in formal education within custodial centres, noting that inmates are actively enrolled in recognised academic programmes.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, the statement said 97 inmates are registered for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board examinations, while 65 inmates are sitting for the National Examinations Council examinations.
It added that at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, 30 inmates are enrolled for NABTEB, while another 30 inmates are registered for NECO examinations.
“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.
The statement also recalled that in October 2025, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory.
It noted that the visit was carried out alongside the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and was aimed at assessing the general state of the facility as well as witnessing ongoing inmate rehabilitation and reformation programmes.
During the inspection, the minister and the NBA President toured various skill acquisition centres within the custodial facility.
These included vocational workshops, educational classrooms and ICT training units, where inmates are being equipped with relevant life and trade skills to support their smooth reintegration into society after their release.
