By Tekena Amieyeofori
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, says alumni of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja and their counterparts nationwide remain assets to the nation.
He made the observation on Monday September 21, 2026, when a delegation of five female alumni of the custodial centre paid him an appreciation visit at the FCT Command Headquarters of the NCS.
The delegation led by Hajiya Mariam Suleiman comprised five female ex-Inmates who recently received Trade Test Certificates from the Service and have become economically self-reliant through the production of shoes, bags, and other leather works.
Controller Jen, in his remarks, said the case of the alumni validates the paradigm shift from the old Nigerian Prison Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service following the enactment of the Correctional Service Act 2019, which has defined the Service’s role beyond taking custody of inmates to focus on reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
He commended the alumni for maintaining good conduct in the post-custodial period, stressing that ex-offenders, particularly women empowered with skills, are assets to the nation and should not be stigmatised.
Earlier, Hajiya Suleiman expressed gratitude to the Controller and staff of the FCT Command for their humane treatment and routine counselling in custody.
She noted that their transformation was proof that the Service is alive to its mandate, while calling on members of the public, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the reintegration of ex-Inmates with employment and patronage of businesses.