In a bid to empower Nigerians with artisanal skills, the Federal Government has commenced vocational training programs for inmates in 241 custodial facilities nationwide. This initiative, announced by Abiola Arogundade, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education during a press conference in Abuja, aims to train over five million Nigerians annually.
Arogundade revealed that each inmate undergoing training will receive a grant of N500,000 upon completion to kick-start their businesses. She emphasized the importance of certification, stating that the skills acquired by the inmates will be internationally recognized through partnerships with global bodies.
Highlighting the holistic approach of the program, Arogundade explained, “At the end of their prison term and our training, we will give them N500,000 to set up their business so they don’t become second-time offenders after leaving the correctional centres. This scheme is ongoing.”
The initiative, initially launched at the Kuje Custodial Centre, will be replicated across other correctional facilities, with Suleja Correctional Centre slated as the next location. Arogundade outlined plans for collaboration with the Bank of Industry to enhance the inmates’ entrepreneurial endeavors, including training on diverse skills such as hairdressing, with provisions for additional income streams through POS services and phone charging stations.
Moreover, efforts to modernize vocational training within correctional facilities were underscored, with investments in state-of-the-art equipment such as sewing machines for fashion design programs. The government aims to foster self-sufficiency and reduce recidivism rates through these comprehensive interventions.
