The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved the employment of at least 50 medical doctors and 100 nurses to cater to the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country.

A statement issued on Thursday by Alao Babatunde, Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior on Media, said the government has also approved the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to post medical doctors to correctional centres for their compulsory one-year service.

According to the statement, the Federal Government has also approved the extension of service beyond retirement age for existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS.

The minister said the move was to “cover for shortfalls in the short term.”

Tunji-Ojo further announced presidential approval for the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy, reiterating the need for a degree-awarding institution where young citizens will be trained in paramilitary engagement.

“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 come out, they come out as officers, properly trained to contribute their quota to national security,” he said.