In a milestone event for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), 358 new officers have graduated, poised to enhance service delivery in correctional facilities across the country. This significant graduation marks the culmination of a rigorous six-month training program, designed to equip junior officers with the physical, academic, and ethical skills necessary for their roles.
The graduation ceremony, presided over by Sylvester Nwakuch, Comptroller General of NCoS, represented by Olarenwanju Amoran, Deputy Controller General, took place in Kaduna. During the event, Nwakuch commended the graduates for their courage, discipline, and commitment to national service. He emphasized the importance of upholding professionalism, integrity, and loyalty in their future postings, underscoring the values that are foundational to the service’s mission.
This graduation comes at a critical juncture for the NCoS, as the service is undergoing significant reforms and innovations under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, has been instrumental in transforming the operational framework of the service, integrating both custodial and non-custodial measures. As a result, training institutions have updated their curricula to reflect these evolving responsibilities, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to meet the changing needs of the service.
Nwakuch also took the opportunity to remind the graduates of the service’s zero tolerance policy for indiscipline, disloyalty, and unprofessional conduct. He urged them to familiarize themselves with the relevant laws and standing orders that guide their duties, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these guidelines in their professional conduct.
The Comptroller General expressed appreciation for the support of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging their commitment to correctional reforms and improved security governance. The graduation ceremony was attended by the Commandant of the training school, senior officers, families, and well-wishers, highlighting the significance of this event for the graduates and the service as a whole.
As the NCoS continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of correctional services, the graduation of these 358 officers marks a significant step towards enhancing service delivery and promoting rehabilitation and reintegration programs. With their training and dedication, these new officers are poised to make a meaningful contribution to the service, upholding the values of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty that are at the heart of the NCoS mission.
