Stakeholders Commend Service’s Reformatory and Reintegration Initiatives
By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Capital Territory Command, has presented Trade Test Certificates to 243 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, following their successful training and assessment in 11 vocational skills.
The certification formed part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to equip inmates with practical skills, promote self-reliance and prepare them for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society after incarceration.
The certified trades include Carpentry and Joinery; Tailoring and Dress Making; Laundry and Dry Cleaning; Poultry; Leather Work; Fisheries; Soap, Cream and Candle Making; Weaving and Textile; Hair Dressing and Body Care; Bricklaying and Masonry; and Solar Installation.
The ceremony also featured a skills and products exhibition showcasing items produced by inmates from the three custodial centres under the FCT Command. The exhibition provided practical evidence of the skills acquired by the beneficiaries through the various vocational training programmes.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the range of reformatory programmes being implemented across custodial facilities in the Command.
He explained that the programmes were designed to provide inmates with education, vocational skills and other forms of intervention necessary to support their rehabilitation, character transformation and eventual reintegration into society.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections overseeing the Directorate of Inmates’ Training and Productivity, Nicolas Obiako, described the occasion as a celebration of transformation, hope, dignity, rehabilitation and second chances.
Obiako said vocational training remained an important component of the Service’s rehabilitation strategy, as it equips inmates with practical skills capable of supporting legitimate employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance upon release.
He, however, stressed that effective rehabilitation should go beyond vocational training to include education, counselling, psychosocial support and other interventions that address the broader needs of inmates.
The Director, Skills Development and Certification, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Engr. Tiza Chila Shaakaa, explained that the Trade Test Certificate of Competence is a recognised credential designed to provide structured assessment and certification of competence in technical and vocational trades.
He disclosed that 65 trades had been approved for trade testing and certification in Nigeria, with the majority involving practical, hands-on skills.
Representing the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Chris Bamsida, encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed to self-development and positive transformation, assuring them that there was life and opportunity beyond incarceration.
He pledged the NDE’s continued partnership with the NCoS in creating opportunities for inmates to translate their acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods after release.
Also speaking, Mr. Johnbull Amayaevbo, mni, commended the FCT Command for the initiative and called on individuals, development partners and non-governmental organisations to support the NCoS in expanding skills acquisition and rehabilitation programmes across custodial centres.
Representing the traditional institution, the Gomo of Kuje, HRH Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin, equally commended the Service for its reformatory initiatives and called on traditional rulers to strengthen their support for programmes aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating former inmates into their communities.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Awards of Appreciation and Recommendation to the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche; the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen; and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Desk Officer, DSC Adikwu Owoicho.
The awards were presented by Chinedu Eze, an ex-inmate and the first graduate of the National Open University of Nigeria from the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, in recognition of their contributions to the educational and rehabilitation efforts of inmates.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Correctional Service and other stakeholders for investing in their development. They noted that the skills acquisition programmes had enhanced their productive capacities and given them renewed hope and a positive pathway towards life after incarceration.
The Controller-General of Corrections further emphasised the importance of ensuring that certification serves as a bridge to economic reintegration. He called for sustained support for released inmates through access to tools, employment, mentorship, entrepreneurship opportunities and other forms of post-release assistance.
He commended the management of the FCT Command, officers in charge of custodial centres, instructors, assessors and partner organisations, particularly the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, for their contributions to the training, assessment and certification process.
The Controller-General urged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity provided by their training with discipline, determination and a strong commitment to becoming productive, responsible and law-abiding members of society upon their discharge.
The event underscored the Nigerian Correctional Service’s evolving focus from incarceration alone to a broader correctional approach centred on rehabilitation, skills development, education and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
E-Signed
DSC AS Duza
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command
13th August, 2026