The Federal Government has started vocational training to empower inmates in Nigeria's 241 correctional facilities and prepare them for reintegration into society.
This information was revealed by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade, at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Arogundade mentioned that President Bola Tinubu is focused on the reintegration of the inmates into society, and stated that each beneficiary will receive a grant of N500,000 upon completion of the skills acquisition program.
The Nigerian Correctional Service operates a total of 241 custodial facilities, 85 satellite custodial centres, 15 farm centres, two custodial open camps, four institutions, seven training schools, and non-custodial services nationwide.
The presidential aide stressed that only 500 inmates from each facility will be taken into account following the official start of the pilot program at Kuje Centre, which currently houses 723 inmates.
She said, “We launched the scheme in Kuje after we took a few members to do an audit on the needs of the inmates. Every single person we train will also receive certification, and we are working with global bodies to ensure that any skill acquired in Nigeria will be recognized worldwide".
She also highlighted that upon completing their prison term and training, each individual will receive N500,000 to establish their business, preventing them from becoming repeat offenders upon leaving the correctional center.
Arogundade proceeded to name some of the vocational skills available, such as fashion design, computer training, hair making, fish farming, soap making, and poultry business.
While emphasizing that the focus is on individuals with a few months to the expiration of their sentences, she revealed that the initiative was inspired by a successful program in Norwegian prisons.
