The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an expanded skills acquisition and education empowerment initiative targeting over 800 inmates across custodial centres in Abuja.
The program is aimed at rehabilitating inmates, reducing repeat offences, and equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and formal education to support successful reintegration into society.
The FCT Controller of Corrections, Christopher Jen, said the initiative focuses on building employable and income-generating skills through vocational, creative, and agricultural training, alongside access to recognized academic qualifications.
According to him, the Command has prioritised inmate empowerment through strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations, whose donations of training materials have strengthened programmes across custodial centres.
“I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in empowering inmates through skills acquisition and education. These partnerships have equipped over 800 inmates with practical skills and are paving the way for true rehabilitation and reduced recidivism,” Jen said.
He disclosed that inmates are currently undergoing training in barbing, cap-making, embroidery, shoemaking, tailoring, carpentry, and other vocational trades. Agricultural programs also feature prominently, with inmates trained in fisheries, poultry farming, and paint production.
Beyond vocational skills, the initiative includes access to formal education. At the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, inmates have been enrolled for National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. Similar enrollments have been recorded at the MSCC, Suleja.
In total, over 200 inmates are enrolled in secondary education programs, while more than 200 others are pursuing degree programs through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Jen noted that education remains a critical pillar of rehabilitation, describing it as a foundation for second chances and economic reintegration.
“With inmates pursuing secondary and tertiary education, we are proving that rehabilitation begins with knowledge and opportunity,” he said.
The Nigerian Correctional Service reaffirmed its commitment to transformative justice, stressing that the empowerment initiative is designed to produce skilled, educated, and economically productive individuals who can contribute positively to society after their release.
