Prison Inmates to Receive Vocational Training and N500,000 Grant Each

Aimed at reducing poverty and empowering inmates, the Nigerian government has announced a new initiative to provide vocational training and a grant of N500,000 to each of at least 500 inmates in every correctional centre across the country.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education, Abiola Arogundade, revealed this at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

The program is part of President Bola Tinubu’s plan to bring down the number of 133 million people who are said to be living in poverty in Nigeria.

The scheme has already begun in some correctional centres and will cover all of the country’s custodial facilities, focusing on inmates who are closer to the end of their jail terms.

They will be trained in various skills such as fashion designing, Information Technology, soap making, fashion, poultry, and fishing, among others.

Arogundade explained that the training will not only provide inmates with valuable skills but also with mental health support and assistance with reintegration into society.

The inmates will be monitored during their training and after they receive the N500,000 grant, with the top performers being eligible for non-collateral loans ranging from N3million to N5million.

The program is set to expand its reach to include out-of-school children, those in conventional learning institutions, and graduates who want to acquire additional skills for self-employment and empowerment.

The initiative is a significant step towards addressing the issue of poverty in Nigeria and providing inmates with a second chance at a better life after serving their sentences.

By equipping them with valuable skills and financial support, the government is helping to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and promoting a more inclusive society.