In a move to enhance healthcare services in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to serve across correctional centres nationwide.
The announcement was made on Thursday, February 13, 2025, by Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, in a statement shared via his X page.
This decision is part of the administration’s broader reform agenda aimed at improving the living conditions and welfare of inmates in correctional facilities across the country.
Why Tinubu Approved the Employment of 150 Medical Personnel
According to Babatunde Alao, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior on Media, the move is designed to bridge the gap in healthcare services in correctional centres, where many inmates face inadequate medical care due to a shortage of qualified personnel.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to cater to the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country,” Alao stated.
The recruitment is also part of a strategic effort to reduce unemployment by creating job opportunities for young medical professionals, while ensuring inmates have access to proper healthcare services.
“We are committed to improving the welfare of inmates and ensuring that their medical needs are met. This initiative not only serves the inmates but also provides jobs for the nation’s youth, making it a win-win situation,” the statement added.
Kuje Correctional Centre Upgrades and Ongoing Reforms
Beyond healthcare improvements, the Minister of Interior also highlighted the completion of renovations at the Kuje Correctional Centre, one of the most high-profile correctional facilities in the country.
The renovation efforts include:
- New and improved cells for better living conditions.
- Upgraded water supply to address hygiene concerns.
- A modernized hospital to cater to the health needs of inmates.
“This is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to long-term solutions for the nation’s correctional facilities. What we are witnessing here is an investment in infrastructure that will stand the test of time,” the Minister stated.
Conclusion
The recruitment of medical personnel and infrastructural upgrades in correctional centres reflect President Tinubu’s dedication to prison reforms, ensuring better living conditions for inmates while also addressing healthcare gaps in correctional facilities.
With 50 doctors and 100 nurses set to be deployed nationwide, the initiative marks a significant step toward humanizing Nigeria’s correctional system, while also creating employment opportunities for medical professionals.