A new chapter in inmate rehabilitation has opened in Nigeria’s correctional system as 70 inmates of the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory have officially registered for the upcoming 2025 November/December National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) exams.
This milestone follows the unveiling of a NABTEB examination centre within the facility on Thursday, a project jointly facilitated by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation.
The centre was launched under the theme “Restoring Dignity Through Education and Second Chances”, reflecting a broader commitment to reform and reintegration of inmates through certified vocational and technical education.
Representing the Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, at the event was the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Training and Staff Development, Amoran Olarewaju, who underscored the life-changing potential of education in correctional facilities.
“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,” Olarewaju said. “Education can help them reintegrate into society as valuable members, combatting the social rejection they face.”
He praised the Foundation’s efforts, noting that “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.”
The Kuje centre, which is now an accredited NABTEB examination location, is expected to provide inmates with formal certification that could significantly improve their employability post-incarceration and reduce recidivism.
Executive Director of the Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation, Ambassador Saratu Abdullahi, expressed deep satisfaction with the initiative’s success and the enthusiasm shown by the inmates.
“The joy I feel from touching lives and witnessing genuine happiness is the biggest satisfaction for me,” she said. “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.”
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-term commitment, stating: “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.”
FCT Controller of Corrections, Bosun Ajibogun, described the intervention as a “game changer,” citing the array of support materials provided including laptops, textbooks, and teaching aids — that will directly impact the quality of education inmates receive.
“What Shammies Foundation has brought technical and vocational education is a game changer,” Ajibogun declared.
He added: “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.”
Ajibogun also confirmed that plans are already underway to replicate the NABTEB centre model at the Suleja Custodial Centre.
