The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced plans to collaborate with Yakubu Gowon University to boost educational and vocational opportunities for inmates.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the FCT Controller of Corrections, Christopher Jen, to the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Matthew, on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command spokesperson, Adamu Duza, Jen stressed the importance of equipping inmates with knowledge and practical skills to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration.

“We want to ensure that our inmates are kept busy and acquire skills that will enable us to sleep with our two eyes closed when they are discharged,” Jen said.

He proposed that the university extend its Open and Distance Learning programmes into custodial centres, granting inmates access to formal education while serving their sentences.

Prof. Matthew, who recently assumed office as Acting Vice Chancellor, welcomed the initiative and pledged full support.

“I will direct the Director of the Open Distance Learning Centre to consider establishing a learning centre in your facility to bridge the education gap,” he assured.

The collaboration is expected to complement existing programmes by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which already supports inmates with academic opportunities.

Prof. Matthew also noted that the university would help reshape public perception of incarceration by encouraging society to embrace rehabilitated ex-offenders.

“We are in a position to enlighten our people, especially students, on the importance of accepting and supporting rehabilitated individuals, and we would be happy to lead this effort,” he added.

The move follows recent efforts to expand access to education in custodial centres. On August 7, the NCoS and Shammies Unusual Heart Foundation launched a NABTEB Examination Centre at Kuje Custodial Centre, registering 70 inmates for the November/December 2025 exams.

The project, themed “Restoring Dignity Through Education and Second Chances,” focuses on rehabilitation through learning and vocational training. Deputy Controller-General Amoran Olarewaju described it as a critical tool for reintegration, while FCT Controller of Corrections Bosun Ajibogun called the initiative a “game changer.”