President Bola Tinubu has approved the hiring of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to work in correctional centres across the country, aimed at improving healthcare for inmates.
This move is part of a broader initiative to address the healthcare challenges within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
A statement issued on Thursday by Babatunde Alao, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior on Media, confirmed the decision.
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Alao said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to meet the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres nationwide.”
Additionally, Tunji-Ojo revealed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will now assign medical doctors to correctional centres during their service year, ensuring the health and rights of some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations are safeguarded.
Alao further stated, “The Minister also announced the extension of service beyond retirement age for current medical staff in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to address short-term staffing shortages.”
The recruitment initiative, according to the Minister, aims to reduce unemployment while filling critical gaps in healthcare services in correctional facilities, especially in states like Rivers, which have faced challenges with insufficient medical personnel.
“We are committed to enhancing the welfare of inmates and ensuring their healthcare needs are met. This initiative not only benefits the inmates but also creates job opportunities for the youth, making it a win-win situation,” the Minister concluded.
