Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for improved efficiency and professionalism.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the graduation ceremony of 428 cadet officers of the Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, ASC Basic Course at the Correctional Service Staff College, Kaduna.
The Minister, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Mr. Abdul Malik Jibril noted that the formal induction of the officers came at a critical time of institutional reforms aimed at enhancing discipline, professionalism, accountability, and excellent service delivery.
“The passing out parade today has produced well-trained officers who are ready to take on the responsibility of reforming inmates. This is a step toward greater career advancement for them,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that the new officers have been trained to understand their dual role as custodians and counselors for inmates, contributing meaningfully to national rehabilitation efforts.
The Minister highlighted that under his leadership, the Ministry has sustained timely promotions of paramilitary personnel across all services to ensure eligible officers are elevated appropriately.
He further explained that in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Ministry has significantly increased staff participation in mandatory career progression courses, aimed at enhancing professional development.
The Interior Minister reiterated government’s commitment to effective inmate rehabilitation through strengthened educational programs, including the expansion of special study centers of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN in custodial facilities across the country.
“This initiative reaffirms our resolve to advance correctional education as a powerful tool for national reformation and societal reintegration,” he noted.
The Minister also commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, and the entire Correctional Service management for their commitment to raising training standards and professionalizing the workforce.
He urged the graduating officers to uphold the constitution, abide by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, and maintain integrity and diligence in service.
“Your dedication and conduct will shape the future of the service. Justify the trust placed in you by distinguishing yourselves in your various jurisdictions,” he advised.
The Minister expressed sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the timely approval and support for the training of the cadet officers, describing the President’s commitment to security sector reforms as “second to none.”
As part of the event, a newly reformed bakery was commissioned which was developed by the Nigeria Correctional Service in partnership with Tamidan Nigeria Limited.
The bakery according to him aims to provide vocational training for inmates to reduce post-release stigmatization and reintegrate them productively into society.
The Controller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, disclosed that the Kaduna Open Custodial Facility remains the only one of its kind in West Africa.
It is designed to support inmates nearing the end of their sentences by providing vocational training and a controlled reintegration process into society.
“With this facility, inmates learn bakery, poultry, piggery, and crop farming. They don’t just attend formal classes through NOUN, but also acquire hands-on vocational skills,” he said.
Chairman of Tamidan Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, said the partnership with NCoS is part of his company’s corporate social responsibility.
“If inmates leave without acquiring skills, they become societal burdens. With this initiative, they can learn to bake and even sell bread in their communities,” he noted.
The reformed bakery has a production capacity of 200 kilograms every 30 minutes, producing about 90 loaves per bag and up to 400 loaves from four bags of flour.
Mr. Dantata also outlined future collaborations in areas like farming, poultry, and livestock, while calling on other well-meaning individuals and organizations to support such reforms.
Daniel Karlmax
