Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a move to improve healthcare services in correctional facilities across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 medical doctors and 100 nurses to cater to the medical needs of inmates nationwide.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, on Thursday. The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals in correctional centres.
In addition to the recruitment exercise, the minister announced that medical doctors under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme would now be posted to correctional centres for their mandatory service year. This decision is aimed at bridging the gap in healthcare personnel and ensuring that inmates receive adequate medical attention.
To further address staffing shortages, the minister revealed that existing medical staff within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) would be allowed to extend their service beyond the usual retirement age.
The announcement comes as a response to longstanding concerns over inadequate healthcare services in correctional centres. Daily Courier recalls that before Tunji-Ojo’s appointment, states like Rivers struggled with a severe shortage of medical personnel to attend to inmates. The intervention is expected to not only enhance healthcare delivery but also reduce unemployment through continuous recruitment.
Beyond healthcare reforms, the minister provided updates on the recently completed renovation of the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The facility has undergone a major transformation, featuring upgraded cells, improved water supply, and a fully modernised hospital.
“It’s entirely new—from the cells to the water supply, to the hospital and more. The President’s focus is on building a system that stands the test of time, providing both short-term solutions for immediate needs and long-term strategies for future challenges,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
As part of ongoing security sector reforms, the federal government has approved the establishment of a National Para-Military Academy. The institution, according to the minister, will be a degree-awarding centre aimed at training young Nigerians in various paramilitary disciplines.
Graduates of the academy will emerge as trained officers ready to contribute to national security after passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Tunji-Ojo also announced a significant overhaul in visa processing, stating that all Nigerian visa applications would now be handled online. Applicants can expect to receive approvals or rejections within 48 to 72 hours, a move designed to enhance efficiency and ease the process for travelers.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted efforts to improve the Private Guard Sector (PSC) through the implementation of a Guard Management System (GMS). This initiative aims to automate and enhance operational processes, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
The minister expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s continued support in achieving the goals of the Ministry of Interior, ensuring that Nigeria’s security and correctional systems align with global best practices.
