The Nigerian Correctional Service, in partnership with Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation, on Thursday launched a National Business and Technical Examinations Board Examination Centre at the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, registering 70 inmates for the upcoming 2025 November/December exams.

The centre, unveiled under the theme “Restoring Dignity Through Education and Second Chances,” marks a significant milestone in rehabilitative efforts aimed at transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals through education and vocational training.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Controller-General of NCoS in charge of Training and Staff Development, Amoran Olarewaju, who represented the Controller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, stressed the transformative power of education in reforming inmates.

He commended Shammies Foundation for its consistent support of inmate education and called for more investments in vocational training and certification, which he said are essential for improving inmates’ employability and reducing recidivism.

Olarewaju said: “The significance of today’s event is to ensure that those who are incarcerated are not just locked up but given wide opportunities to learn and grow. Education can help them reintegrate into society as valuable members, combatting the social rejection they face.

“We are grateful for the Foundation’s effort in bringing such an empowering initiative to our custodial centres. Many people are unaware of the vocational training opportunities available here, but with Shammies Foundation, inmates are engaged in meaningful learning, both theoretically and practically.”

Olarewaju further emphasised the need for vocational training provided in custodial centres, including certifications that could enhance inmates’ employability.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation, Ambassador Saratu Abdullahi, expressed heartfelt joy at the positive response from inmates.

She said: “The joy I feel from touching lives and witnessing genuine happiness is the biggest satisfaction for me. This is not the first time we’ve worked with the correctional facilities, and it won’t be the last.

“We’ve established an ongoing relationship, and you can expect to see more from us. We are committed to this cause, and with the support of my team and the community, we will continue to provide opportunities for the inmates.”

The Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Bosun Ajibogun, described the initiative as a “game changer” and expressed his appreciation for the project.

He said: “What Shammies Foundation has brought — technical and vocational education — is a game changer.”

Ajibogun was particularly moved by the comprehensive support provided, stating various resources such as laptops, textbooks, and teaching materials, and noting that the NABTEB centre will be extended to the Suleja facility.

He emphasised the significance of registering inmates for certification: “The impact of what has been done today cannot be overstated. The initiative to immediately register inmates for certification is a monumental step. It’s an achievement that I never expected to see in my tenure as Controller.”