Twenty-eight inmates of the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre in Ibara, Ogun State on Friday graduated from a basic computer skills training programme.
The training was part of efforts by the NCS to equip inmates with practical skills that would help them become productive after leaving custody.
The State Controller of Corrections, Abioye Kamarudeen Adesina, who spoke at the graduation ceremony, said the programme, organised by the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR), in partnership with Kastenbeelo Computer Training Institute, was designed to prepare inmates for life after incarceration.
According to him, computer knowledge would give the inmates better chances of earning a living and becoming self-reliant when they return to their communities.
He said rehabilitation remained a core mandate of the Correctional Service, stressing that inmates must be given opportunities to learn skills that could help them build better lives.
The Controller called for increased support from NGOs, private organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
According to him, more partnerships would help provide additional training, equipment and other resources needed to prepare inmates for successful reintegration.
Adesina urged the graduating inmates to make good use of the knowledge acquired and remain focused to avoid actions that could bring them back into custody.
“You must use these skills to create better opportunities for yourselves and contribute positively to society,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that materials such as laptops and a projector were donated to support the inmates’ online learning.