The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service is set to partner with Yakubu Gowon University to expand educational and vocational opportunities for inmates.
This was the main thrust of a courtesy visit on Tuesday by the Controller of Corrections for FCT, Christopher Jen, to the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Adamu Matthew.
The Public Relations Officer of the command Adamu Duza, made this disclosure through a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to a statement, Jen emphasised the importance of engaging inmates in meaningful training and academic programs as part of their rehabilitation.
“We want to ensure that our inmates are kept busy and acquire skills that will enable us to sleep with our two eyes closed when they are discharged,” Jen said, just as he also proposed that the university extend its Open and Distance Learning programmes into custodial centres, allowing inmates to access formal education while serving their sentences.
Prof. Matthew, who recently assumed the role of Acting Vice Chancellor, welcomed the initiative and expressed strong support for collaboration with the Correctional Service.
Speaking on the proposal, Prof. Matthew promised to take immediate steps towards implementation.
“I will direct the Director of the Open Distance Learning Centre to consider establishing a learning centre in your facility to bridge the education gap,” he assured, as contained in the statement.
In addition to education, the Vice Chancellor offered the university’s support in reshaping public perception around incarceration and rehabilitation.
“We are in a position to enlighten our people, especially students, on the importance of accepting and supporting rehabilitated individuals, and we would be happy to lead this effort,” he said.
