The federal government has initiated vocational training programs for inmates across 241 custodial facilities throughout Nigeria. Abiola Arogundade, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, made this announcement during a press conference held in Abuja.
Arogundade highlighted the government’s goal to empower at least five million Nigerians annually with artisanal skills. Each participating inmate will receive vocational training and subsequently be granted a sum of N500,000 to kickstart their own businesses. The initiative seeks to prevent recidivism by providing former inmates with viable economic opportunities upon completing their prison terms.
The vocational training scheme, launched initially at Kuje Custodial Centre, will be expanded to other correctional facilities across the nation. Partnerships with global bodies ensure that the skills acquired by inmates will be recognized internationally. Additionally, collaborations with financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry aim to provide further support, including training in various business ventures like hairdressing and the setup of POS systems for additional income streams.
Source: Parrot Nigeria