Programme highlights role of faith-based rehabilitation in inmate reformation

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Sixty-one inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kurmawa, Kano, have completed the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an as part of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s rehabilitation programme.

The graduating class comprised 55 male and six female inmates. This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, CSC Musbahu Lawan Kofar Nasarawa.

According to him, many of the inmates had little or no knowledge of complete Qur’anic recitation before arriving at the custodial centre. Through discipline, commitment and structured Islamic instruction, they successfully memorised the Holy Qur’an.

He said the achievement reflects the impact of faith-based rehabilitation programmes and the Service’s commitment to the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

To recognise the graduates, the Nigerian Correctional Service, in partnership with a non-governmental organisation, presented each inmate with new clothing, mattresses, blankets and financial support to encourage their continued personal development and successful reintegration into society.

The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf Lakpene, commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for promoting educational, vocational and moral development programmes across custodial centres nationwide. He said such initiatives help prepare inmates to become responsible and productive members of society after their release.

An educationist, Professor Aliyu Harun, also praised the command for its efforts in reforming inmates through meaningful rehabilitation programmes, saying the initiative would help shape them into responsible and law-abiding citizens.

The Chairperson of the Kano State Prerogative of Mercy Committee, Hajiya Azumi Namadi Bebeji, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving inmates’ welfare and thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support for inmates across custodial centres in the state.

Also speaking, the custodial chaplain, DSC Mohd Alkanawy, and the Chief Imam, Imam Nasiru Abdu, urged the graduating inmates to sustain the discipline, moral values and spiritual growth they acquired during the programme, while the District Head of Kawaji and Dan Ruwatan Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Bayero, presented certificates to the 61 graduates.

Source: Daily Trust