By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance during an unannounced visit to the centre on Friday. He said the visit was part of efforts to assess the living conditions of inmates and evaluate the ongoing skill acquisition and educational programmes aimed at reforming them.
“I decided to come without prior notice to see the living conditions of inmates and interact with them directly,” Tunji-Ojo said. “We inspected the medical facility, skill acquisition centres, and the National Open University unit within the facility. What we have seen today differs greatly from public perception, and we are very pleased with the progress.”
The minister emphasized that the welfare of inmates remains a top priority for the Federal Government, noting that skill acquisition and education play vital roles in rehabilitation and reintegration.
He commended the inmates for their positive attitude toward training and thanked facilitators and stakeholders for supporting the reform agenda.
“Inmates are not in prison but in a correctional centre,” he said. “You are not condemned; you are here to be corrected, rehabilitated, and transformed. My desire is that you learn skills that will empower you to live a self-reliant and productive life after your release.”
Currently, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIB), in collaboration with the Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), is conducting a two-week skill acquisition training for inmates at the facility.
A trainer from CAP, Mr. Gbenga Ogunfolaji, said the programme was initially designed for 50 participants but was expanded to 78 due to high interest among the inmates.
“The enthusiasm of the participants has been very impressive,” he said, adding that CAP plans to hold the training quarterly.
Also speaking, a facilitator from NIB, Mr. Omale Peter, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote technical education and vocational certification.
“All learners undergoing training here will receive National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certification after their practical assessments,” he said.
