In a bid to boost healthcare delivery in Nigeria’s correctional centres, the Federal Government has announced the appointment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses, marking a major milestone in its efforts to improve inmate welfare.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the move was aimed at addressing the shortage of medical personnel in the facilities and ensure that inmates have access to proper medical treatment.
In addition to the recruitment, the ministry has secured a presidential approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy medical doctors to correctional centres during their service year.
Tunji-Ojo said that the recruitment process for doctors and nurses in correctional facilities would be an ongoing exercise to ensure sustained improvement in healthcare delivery within the system.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing long-term solutions to structural challenges in the correctional system.
The Minister also disclosed plans to establish a paramilitary academy, similar to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
According to him, the proposed institution will train young officers through a structured academic program, equipping them to contribute effectively to national security.
“We need a degree-awarding institution where young people, after gaining admission through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), can graduate as well-trained officers,” he said.
“The government has also implemented various reforms aimed at building a more efficient, secure, and sustainable correctional and security system in Nigeria.
“The reforms include the renovation of correctional facilities, such as the Kuje Correctional Centre, which has been completed.
“It is entirely new, from the cells to the water supply and the hospital. We are ensuring that Mr. President’s magnanimity is felt across all areas,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Additionally, the government has introduced visa reforms, which will allow all Nigerian visa applications to be processed online, with approvals or rejections issued within 48 to 72 hours.
The government is also implementing a Guard Management System to automate and enhance regulatory processes in the private security sector.
To further bridge the gap in healthcare staffing, the minister’s media aide, Mr. Alao Babatunde, noted that approval had been granted to extend the service period of existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) beyond the retirement age.
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