By David Lawani
The Federal Government has commended the inmates of the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre for their remarkable enthusiasm and commitment to vocational and technical skill acquisition programmes, which aim to reform and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the commendation during a working visit to the custodial facility on Wednesday, where he personally inspected the inmates’ living conditions, educational programmes, and skill acquisition centres.
Tunji-Ojo said his visit was unannounced, reflecting President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s renewed emphasis on humane corrections and genuine rehabilitation.
“I decided to come without prompting to see firsthand the living conditions of inmates and interact directly with them,” he explained.
“We inspected the medical facilities, the skill acquisition workshops, and the National Open University classrooms. What we have seen today tells a different story from the general public perception.”
The Minister said the welfare of inmates was a key priority for the government, describing correctional centres as “factories of human transformation.”
Addressing the visibly motivated inmates, Tunji-Ojo urged them to take full advantage of the rehabilitation opportunities available within the facility.
“You are not in prison; you are in a correctional centre,” he said. “You are not condemned people but tools and raw materials that can be processed into wonderful finished products. You are here to be corrected, rehabilitated, restored, and transformed.”
He expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the custodial authorities, private organisations, and professional bodies that are providing technical and educational training to inmates.
“I desire that you learn and acquire the right skills so that when you leave here, you will be intellectually empowered to live self-reliant, sustainable lives,” he added.
The ongoing two-week vocational training, conducted by facilitators from the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in collaboration with Chemical and Allied Products (CAP), focuses on technical skills aligned with the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) framework.
A CAP trainer, Mr Gbenga Ogunfolaji, noted that the inmates’ eagerness had surpassed expectations.
“We planned for 50 inmates, but the enthusiasm was overwhelming — 78 participants joined, showing high interest and eagerness to learn,” he said, adding that the training would henceforth be held quarterly.
Similarly, NIOB facilitator Mr Omale Peter said the initiative was part of efforts to align with the government’s drive for technical empowerment and rehabilitation through certification and hands-on competence.
“After their assessments, successful learners will be awarded NSQ certification, which will help them secure gainful employment upon reintegration,” Peter stated.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed that the reformation of Nigeria’s correctional system goes beyond confinement; it is about rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and offering second chances.
He emphasised that the government’s collaboration with technical bodies and corporate partners will continue to expand to ensure every inmate acquires a marketable skill before returning to society.
“Our correctional centres must become places of productivity and renewal, not punishment,” he said. “We are building a system that gives people a reason to hope again.”
