The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Capital Territory Command, has pledged to facilitate employment opportunities for inmates upon their release, as the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, held its maiden debate competition to promote rehabilitation and prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, disclosed this on Thursday during the competition, which saw two teams of inmates argue the merits of formal education and vocational skills acquisition, with the vocational skills team emerging victorious.
Jen said the command was partnering with relevant stakeholders and support organisations to secure employment opportunities for discharged inmates, in a move aimed at improving their prospects of rebuilding their lives outside the custodial facility.
He expressed optimism that inmates could rise to positions of leadership and responsibility if given the necessary support, education and opportunities to reform.
“An inmate today can be a governor or any high-ranking individual in society tomorrow, if properly reformed,” he said.
The Controller also commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for the opportunity to serve, saying it had strengthened his commitment to improving inmate rehabilitation and reformation across the FCT Command.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Kuje custodial centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Adekunmi Sunday, said the debate was part of efforts to transform the facility into a centre for learning and reformation rather than one focused solely on confinement.
“Custody without training is punishment; custody with training is correction,” Sunday said.
He stressed that education and vocational training were critical to preparing inmates for life after incarceration, adding that he expected every inmate under his supervision to acquire at least one of the two.
The maiden competition featured two teams of five speakers each. Team A argued in favour of education, while Team B defended vocational skills acquisition. Following the contest, the panel of judges declared Team B the winner.
The debate was organised to develop inmates’ intellectual abilities, improve their confidence and encourage constructive interaction, while providing a platform for them to express and defend their ideas.
Representatives of partner organisations and support groups also delivered goodwill messages, commending the service for its commitment to inmate education and rehabilitation.
In a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the officer-in-charge by Superintendent of Corrections Yusuf Muye, the centre appreciated the FCT Controller, partners, staff and inmates for their contributions to the event’s success.
The centre said the debate would become a regular feature of its reformation calendar.
The employment pledge comes amid broader efforts by correctional institutions to equip inmates with practical skills and improve their chances of reintegration after serving their sentences. However, the command did not disclose the number of inmates expected to benefit from the proposed employment initiative or identify the organisations involved in the partnership.
