FG Approves Recruitment of 50 Doctors, 100 Nurses for Correctional Facilities

By: Sulyman Gobir
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to improve healthcare services in correctional centers across Nigeria.
The approval, conveyed through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is part of the government’s effort to enhance medical care for inmates.
This development follows growing concerns over the poor conditions of correctional facilities, including inadequate medical services.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo had secured a presidential directive for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy medical doctors to correctional facilities as part of their service year.
Another approval was also granted for the extension of service beyond retirement age for existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to address immediate staffing gaps.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s Special Adviser on Media, Alao Babatunde, states that the recruitment drive would not only improve inmate healthcare but also create employment opportunities, with plans for continuous recruitment.
Addressing Concerns
Addressing concerns about infrastructure, Dr. Tunji-Ojo announced the completion of renovations at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the transformation as a major facelift.
“It is entirely new—from the cells to the water supply and hospital. We are ensuring that Mr. President’s commitment to long-term structural reforms is felt across all areas,” the minister stated.
He emphasized that President Tinubu is focused on implementing sustainable solutions:
“For the President, it is about building a system that will stand the test of time. He is not just providing short-term solutions to long-term problems or vice versa but ensuring structured, sustainable reforms.”
National Paramilitary Academy
As part of broader security sector reforms, the Minister announced presidential approval for the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy, a degree-awarding institution designed to train young Nigerians for careers in paramilitary service.
“We need a degree-awarding institution, like the Nigerian Defence Academy, that will train young persons after securing admission through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination. When they graduate, they will be well-trained officers contributing to national security,” he said.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also revealed a new digital visa application system, stating that all Nigerian visas will now be processed entirely online, with approvals or rejections completed within 48 to 72 hours.
Strengthening Private Security Operations
Regarding private security regulation, the Minister affirmed ongoing government efforts to sanitize and professionalize the private guard sector.
“We are ensuring that the sector is structured to add value to national security. As part of this, we are deploying a Guard Management System to automate processes and improve efficiency,” he explained.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended President Tinubu’s unwavering support in driving these reforms, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving correctional services, security, and public administration in Nigeria.