The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced plans to collaborate with Yakubu Gowon University to expand educational and vocational opportunities for inmates, strengthening ongoing rehabilitation efforts across custodial centres.
The partnership was discussed during a courtesy visit on Tuesday by the Controller of Corrections for the FCT, Christopher Jen, to the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Adamu Matthew.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Adamu Duza, Jen underscored the importance of equipping inmates with academic and vocational skills that would aid their reintegration into society.
“We want to ensure that our inmates are meaningfully engaged, gain relevant skills, and return to society as productive citizens. That way, we can all sleep with our two eyes closed when they are discharged,” Jen said.
He proposed that the university extend its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes to custodial centres, enabling inmates to pursue formal education while serving their sentences.
Prof. Matthew, who recently assumed office as Acting Vice Chancellor, welcomed the initiative and pledged immediate action.
“I will instruct the Director of the Open Distance Learning Centre to begin exploring the establishment of a learning hub within your facility to bridge the education gap,” he assured.
The collaboration is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which already provides educational support to inmates in correctional facilities nationwide.
Beyond academic training, Prof. Matthew also emphasised the role of the university in reshaping public perceptions about incarceration and rehabilitation.
“We are in a position to enlighten society, especially our students, on the need to support rehabilitated individuals. We will gladly champion this advocacy,” he added.
This development comes weeks after the launch of a NABTEB Examination Centre at Kuje Custodial Centre on August 7, where 70 inmates were registered for the 2025 November/December exams.
The project, themed “Restoring Dignity Through Education and Second Chances,” was jointly initiated by NCoS and the Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation.
At the launch, Deputy Controller-General Amoran Olarewaju noted that education empowers inmates to reintegrate as valuable members of society.
Shammies Foundation’s Executive Director, Saratu Abdullahi, pledged continued support, while FCT Controller of Corrections Bosun Ajibogun described the initiative as a “game changer,” with plans already underway to expand to Suleja Custodial Centre.
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