No fewer than 243 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, have received trade test certificates after completing training and assessment in 11 vocational skills, in a major step towards their rehabilitation, self-reliance and reintegration into society.
The certificates were presented to the inmates by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, as stakeholders commended the service’s reformatory efforts and called for greater support to provide inmates with the tools and opportunities needed to build productive lives after incarceration.
The beneficiaries were trained and assessed in carpentry and joinery, tailoring and dressmaking, laundry and dry cleaning, poultry, leather work, fisheries, soap, cream and candle making, weaving and textiles, hairdressing and body care, bricklaying and masonry, and solar installation.
The ceremony also featured an exhibition of products made by inmates from the three custodial centres in the FCT Command, offering practical evidence of the skills acquired through the service’s vocational training programmes.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, congratulated the beneficiaries and said the Command was implementing a range of reformatory programmes aimed at equipping inmates with education, vocational skills and other interventions necessary for their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, 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.
He explained that vocational training equips inmates with practical skills that can support legitimate employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance after release, stressing that effective rehabilitation must also incorporate education, counselling and psychosocial support.
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 an internationally recognised credential that provides a structured assessment of competence in technical and vocational trades.
He disclosed that 65 trades have been approved for trade testing certification in Nigeria, with the majority being hands-on skills.
Representing the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Ch Mr Bamsida encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed to self-development, assuring them that there is life after incarceration.
He pledged the NDE’s continued partnership with the NCoS in creating opportunities through which inmates can translate their acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Also speaking, Mr Johnbull Amayaevbo, mni, commended the FCT Command for the initiative and called on Nigerians, development partners and non-governmental organisations to support the NCoS in expanding skills acquisition and rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
Representing the traditional institution, the Gomo of Kuje, HRH Dr Haruna Tanko Jibrin, equally commended the service’s reformatory efforts and called on traditional rulers to strengthen their support for rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives.
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 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 inmates expressed appreciation to the service and other stakeholders, noting that the skills acquisition programmes have enhanced their productive capacities and provided them with a positive pathway towards life after incarceration.
The Controller-General of Corrections further emphasised that certification should serve as a bridge to economic reintegration, calling for sustained support through access to tools, employment, mentorship and entrepreneurship opportunities.
He commended the Controller and management of the command, the officer-in-Charge of the custodial centres in the FCT, instructors, assessors and partner organisations, particularly the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, for their contributions to the training, assessment and certification process.
He urged the beneficiaries to embrace their second-chance opportunity with discipline, determination and a commitment to becoming productive and responsible members of society on discharge.
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