Controller of Corrections, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State Command, Ben-Rabbi Freedman, has reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to supporting inmates in their journey of transformation.
He disclosed this during the 2024 coding class competition and graduation for inmates at the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre, Lagos.
While expressing gratitude to Chief Executive Officer, Anchor Heritage Initiative (AHI), Bidemi Oladipupo, and other partners for their support, the controller emphasised the importance of the students taking their learning seriously.
He also disclosed the approval of additional programmes and honours in custodial centres nationwide, urging the students to seize these opportunities to acquire educational and vocational skills.
Country Manager, Donate NG, Onawunmi Ododo, emphasised the importance of embracing a second chance and recognising the transformative power of education.
A 10-minute video showcased the tangible impact of coding education on the lives of inmates. It also highlighted the skills they acquired, the opportunities that opened up for them, and the positive changes they underwent through their coding journey.
A former inmate, Ozi U, (surname withheld) shared personal testimony of how coding positively impacted his life. He expressed gratitude to the organisers and emphasised the importance of utilising time effectively in a challenging environment. He noted that despite limited resources, he and his fellow students exhibited unwavering perseverance, supported by prayer and a thirst for knowledge.
The former inmate recounted how their connection with Bidemi Oladipupo resulted in the sponsorship of their certification as the first set of coding graduates.
Four groups trained by the IT hub were allocated a time limit of six minutes, each, to present their respective projects.
Each group was led by a project manager. The winner was awarded a laptop, while the second-place finisher received a coding book.
Speaking, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Officer in Charge of the Medium Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Michael Benson Anugwa, said the coding programme has made a significant impact on the lives of the inmates.
Anugwa noted that the inmates who completed the programme are now well-prepared to face challenges and compete with others in the coding field, thanks to the training they received.
Also, founder of Access for Youths to Information Technology Initiative (AYITI), Akinyele Olubodun, said the group, through partnership with AHI, has been able to extend its coding education to inmates, offering them an opportunity for redemption.
Olubodun envisioned inmates creating their own products and games, enabling them to generate income and become self-sufficient. He also noted that coding can help individuals become who they want to be and reduce crime rates.
