FCT Correctional Service, Gowon University Partner to Expand Education for Inmates

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has initiated a partnership with Yakubu Gowon University to boost educational and vocational opportunities for inmates.

This formed the highlight of a courtesy visit on Tuesday by the FCT Controller of Corrections, Christopher Jen, to the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Adamu Matthew. In a statement by the command spokesperson, Adamu Duza, Jen stressed that equipping inmates with meaningful training and academic skills was vital for rehabilitation and societal safety. He proposed that the university’s Open and Distance Learning programmes be extended to custodial centres, enabling inmates to access formal education while serving their sentences.

Responding, Prof. Matthew welcomed the initiative and assured prompt action, promising to direct the university’s Open Distance Learning Centre to set up facilities in correctional centres. He further pledged support in reshaping public perceptions about incarceration and reintegration, noting the need to encourage society to embrace rehabilitated individuals.

The development comes as the Nigerian Correctional Service, in partnership with Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation, launched a NABTEB Examination Centre at the Kuje Custodial Centre, where 70 inmates have been registered for the 2025 November/December exams. The project, themed “Restoring Dignity Through Education and Second Chances,” aims to rehabilitate inmates through education and vocational training. Deputy Controller-General Amoran Olarewaju described the initiative as a pathway to reintegration, while Shammies Foundation’s Executive Director, Saratu Abdullahi, pledged sustained support. FCT Controller of Corrections, Bosun Ajibogun, hailed the centre as a “game changer,” with plans underway to expand it to Suleja.