A contest organised by Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre, Lagos State, in collaboration with the Access for Youths to Information Technology Initiative and Anchor Heritage Initiative saw two inmates winning new laptop and coding book.
The Controller, Lagos State Command of the Correctional Centre, Mr. Ben-Rabbi Freedman, who disclosed this commended the partners for the training and added that the centre had secured the approval of the National Open University of Nigeria to award diploma to inmates upon graduation.
He noted that twenty inmates were trained in computer programming.
The controller charged the trainees to practice what they have learnt and take advantage of the programme to acquire relevant skills that would make them employable after their release, also urging the inmates to comport themselves.
Managing Director, AYIITI, Mr. Olubodun Akinyele, noted that the initiative dated back to 2011 and that his objective was to give back to the society.
“Programming pulled me out of poverty. It gave me my best memories and opportunities to be who I want to be.
“I believe my journey to freedom can be replicated for other children and adults living in marginalised communities by lowering the barrier to attaining programming knowledge,” Akinyele said.
Chief Operating Officer, Anchor Heritage Initiative, Bidemi Oladipo said, “This is not just programming, it is programming for a better world. The initiative is partnering other tech companies to train the inmates for onward transfer to NOUN to issue diploma certificates.”
Those presented at the event include the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre, Mr. Michael Anugwa, among other personalities.
