243 KUJE INMATES RECEIVE TRADE TEST CERTIFICATES AS NCoS HOLDS SKILLS EXHIBITION
Pan Afric Reporters
Stakeholders commend Service’s Reformatory and Reintegration Efforts. The Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Abuja, has presented Trade Test Certificates to 243 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT, Abuja, following their successful training and assessment in 11 vocational skills, as part of the Service’s continuing efforts to equip inmates with practical skills for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The certified trades according to media report e-signed by the Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, DSC AS Duza include Carpentry and Joinery, Tailoring and Dress Making, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Poultry, Leather Work, Fisheries, Soap, Cream and Candle Making, Weaving and Textile, Hair Dressing and Body Care, Bricklaying and Masonry, and Solar Installation.
The occasion also featured a product exhibition showcasing various items produced by the inmates, drawn from the three (3) Custodial Centres in the Command, providing practical evidence of the knowledge and skills acquired during their trainings.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the range of reformatory programmes being implemented across custodial facilities under the Command. He noted that the programmes are designed to provide 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, MFR, mni, 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. Chris 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 organizations 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 emphasized 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 organizations, 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.
