The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)—formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service—is responsible for the custody, rehabilitation, and reformation of inmates across Nigeria. As a vital arm of the country’s criminal justice system, the NCoS plays a central role in national security and human development. Before becoming full officers, new recruits undergo intensive training designed to prepare them physically, mentally, and morally. This guide highlights the official training allowance and duration for NCoS in 2025, and what to expect during this critical phase.
NCoS Training Duration in 2025
The duration of training depends on the cadre level of entry:
1. Correctional Assistant Cadre (SSCE Holders)
- Duration: 6 months
- Focus Areas: Custodial procedures, security drills, human rights basics, and rehabilitation services.
2. Inspectorate Cadre (ND/NCE Holders)
- Duration: 6 to 9 months
- Focus Areas: Correctional ethics, record-keeping, crowd control, leadership, and health safety.
3. Superintendent Cadre (Graduate Officers)
- Duration: 9 months to 1 year
- Focus Areas: Advanced correctional management, conflict resolution, legal frameworks, intelligence gathering, and inmate reform strategies.
Training Centers:
- Correctional Staff College, Kaduna
- Various zonal training schools and correctional academies nationwide.
NCoS Training Allowance in 2025
Recruits receive a monthly allowance during their training period to help cover basic expenses. This stipend is not their official salary but a support payment until they are fully absorbed into the service.
Estimated Monthly Training Allowance:
- Assistant Cadre: ₦25,000 – ₦35,000
- Inspectorate Cadre: ₦40,000 – ₦55,000
- Superintendent Cadre: ₦60,000 – ₦80,000
These allowances are subject to change based on federal budget and policy adjustments.
Benefits During Training
Trainees enjoy access to several benefits during the training phase:
- Free uniforms and training kits
- Medical care and first aid
- Feeding and accommodation (in most centers)
- Paramilitary drills and self-defense training
- Certification upon successful completion of the program
FAQs
Q1: How long is NCoS training in 2025?
A1: Training ranges from 6 months to 1 year, depending on your recruitment level.
Q2: Is there salary during the training?
A2: No. Recruits receive a monthly allowance between ₦25,000 and ₦80,000, not a full salary.
Q3: Where does training take place?
A3: Mostly at the Correctional Staff College in Kaduna and other zonal academies across Nigeria.
Q4: What happens after training?
A4: Trainees are deployed to correctional centers and begin earning full salaries and benefits.
Conclusion
Joining the Nigerian Correctional Service is a noble career choice, especially for individuals committed to national service and social rehabilitation. With a training period of 6 months to 1 year and allowances ranging from ₦25,000 to ₦80,000, recruits are well-prepared for the demanding but fulfilling tasks ahead. If you are considering a career in correctional service, 2025 offers a strong entry point into one of Nigeria’s most structured and impactful government agencies.
