In a major boost to inmate rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has successfully screened 144 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, for the award of nationally recognized Trade Test Certificates across various vocational skills.
The screening exercise was conducted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by a delegation from the Ministry led by Engr. Gabriel Olakunle Ojelade. The team administered practical and theoretical assessments designed to evaluate the inmates’ competence in their respective trades.
Speaking during the exercise, Engr. Ojelade stated that the Trade Test Certificate serves as an official recognition of professional competence and is valid nationwide, providing beneficiaries with greater opportunities for self-reliance and lawful employment after release.
According to him, the evaluation process involved physical verification, attestation, as well as practical and written examinations to ensure that only qualified candidates are certified.
Out of 152 inmates who applied for the programme, 144 were successfully screened across 12 vocational areas as follows:
* Building Construction – 24
* Poultry – 20
* Fishery – 19
* Cap Making – 16
* Tailoring – 14
* Shoe Making – 11
* Barbing – 9
* Carpentry – 9
* Soap Making – 9
* Tie and Dye – 5
* Laundry – 4
* Bag Making – 4
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, CC Christopher Peter Jen, expressed profound appreciation to the Ministry of Labour and Employment on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni for extending the certification exercise to inmates of the custodial centre.
Describing the development as “a dream come true,” CC Jen noted that many of the inmates had undergone extensive vocational training and were eagerly awaiting formal certification of their acquired skills.
“The certificate will not only confirm that you have acquired a trade, but will also attest to your good conduct and character,” he stated.
He further described the initiative as a clear reflection of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to effective reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration under the leadership of the Controller-General of Corrections.
CC Jen urged the inmates to maximize the opportunity by becoming productive citizens and ambassadors of positive change upon reintegration into society.
The initiative forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at equipping inmates with marketable skills, reducing recidivism, and promoting successful social reintegration after custody.
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