FG Registers 500 Inmates for WAEC, Empowers Ex-Inmates With Starter Packs

The Federal Government has registered 500 inmates in custodial centres across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 2026 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations as part of efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.

The initiative, implemented by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command in partnership with the Luchi Advocate Foundation, also saw three former inmates receive vocational starter packs and financial support to help them establish sustainable livelihoods after completing their prison terms.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the programme aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, aimed at enhancing offender rehabilitation, improving public safety and promoting lasting reintegration.

The empowerment exercise, held in Abuja, featured the presentation of vocational equipment corresponding to skills acquired by the beneficiaries while in custody. The items included sewing machines, chemicals and equipment for the production of liquid soap and cosmetics, as well as other trade tools designed to enable the former inmates to become self-reliant.

Speaking during the event, Founder and Chairperson of the Luchi Advocate Foundation, Mrs Oluchi Vivian Uche, said the organisation believes rehabilitation should continue beyond incarceration.

"We believe in protecting lives, restoring hope and reducing crime through empowerment. When these tools are put to good use, they will enable the beneficiaries to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society," she said.

Uche also announced that the foundation would sponsor the registration fees of 500 inmates for the 2026 WAEC examinations across custodial centres under the FCT Command, describing education as one of the most effective tools for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Responding, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the foundation for supporting the Controller General's vision of transforming correctional facilities into centres of rehabilitation and skills development.

He noted that the organisation had previously donated food items and relief materials to inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Kuje and Suleja before extending its support to discharged inmates through vocational empowerment.

Jen urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the resources provided and become responsible citizens.

"This intervention aligns perfectly with the Controller General's vision of creating opportunities for reformed inmates to become productive members of society. With the skills acquired in custody and the starter packs received today, we are confident they will become self-reliant and, ultimately, employers of labour," he said.

He also called on corporate organisations, development partners, faith-based organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the Nigerian Correctional Service's rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, stressing that sustainable reintegration remains essential to crime prevention and safer communities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Odiba Daniel expressed appreciation to the Luchi Advocate Foundation and the Nigerian Correctional Service for giving them another opportunity to rebuild their lives.

He pledged that the beneficiaries would make responsible use of the vocational equipment and justify the confidence reposed in them.

The Nigerian Correctional Service said the Luchi Advocate Foundation remains one of its strategic partners, supporting inmate rehabilitation through educational sponsorship, vocational empowerment and humanitarian interventions aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.