162 inmates graduate from education programme at Dutse Custodial Centre

By Adebola Muili

A total of 162 inmates have graduated from the education programme at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Dutse, Jigawa State, after successfully completing their required programme of study.

The inmates graduated on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a ceremony organised by the Agency for Mass Education as part of efforts to use education as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

The graduates, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), demonstrated commitment, discipline and determination in acquiring basic literacy, numeracy, communication and life skills.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command of the NCoS, CSC M.S. Jahun, said the programme had increased access to education among inmates with limited or interrupted schooling, while improving their reading, writing, numeracy and general knowledge.

Jahun said the initiative had also promoted discipline, self-confidence and positive attitudes among the inmates, while preparing them for further academic, vocational and skills-development opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Technical Adviser to the Jigawa State Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Hauwa Mustapha, commended the state government and the management of the NCoS for the initiative.

Mustapha also pledged the continued commitment of Governor Umar Namadi to education in the state.

Meanwhile, 277 inmates were matriculated into the State Educational Programme at the centre.

The new students were enrolled in the pre-basic and basic education programme, marking the beginning of their formal learning journey within the custodial environment.

Responding on behalf of the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, the Assistant Controller General, ACG M.Y. Fari, psc(CD), appreciated the gesture and assured that the items received would be judiciously utilised.

Fari called for the provision of adequate classrooms, textbooks, writing materials and other instructional resources, as well as the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers and trained facilitators.

He also recommended stronger partnerships with education authorities, NGOs and development organisations, regular assessments to monitor learners’ progress, and linking graduating inmates to vocational training, further education and reintegration support.

The Assistant Controller General further called for continued public recognition of inmates’ educational achievements to encourage greater participation in learning programmes within custodial centres.