Features
Agboje: Agbor’s highest-ranking Correctional officer
Written By: Williams Eghebi
01 Sep 2025 08:01 AM
Abuja, Nigeria – In a vibrant and well-attended ceremony in Abuja last week, Jude Agboje was decorated as Assistant Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), marking a historic milestone as the highest-ranking officer from Agbor, Delta State, to achieve this prestigious rank.
The promotion, approved in July 2025 by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Service Board (CDCFIB), underscores Agboje’s remarkable career and dedication to correctional service reform.Born in 1968, Agboje’s journey began with humble roots.
After graduating as a certified nurse from the renowned Delta State School of Nursing, Agbor, in 1990, he faced challenges securing a position with the Delta State Health Management Board. Educated at Alizomor Primary School and Omumu Grammar School, both rural institutions, Agboje’s early ambition was fueled by resilience.
While awaiting employment, he briefly served as ward publicity secretary for the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) amid Nigeria’s turbulent political climate in the early 1990s.
In 1991, Agboje joined the Nigeria Prisons Service (now NCoS) as a Senior Inspector of Prisons at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, following in the footsteps of several uncles and nephews in the paramilitary agency. His career progressed steadily, with a posting to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, in 1999.
Agboje’s expertise soon earned him international assignments, including a role as Correctional Advisor to the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, where he advanced prison health integration into the national health system.
In 2010, he served in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on staff training and infrastructural development, earning a United Nations Medal for his contributions.
Within Nigeria, Agboje’s leadership roles have been transformative. As a Deputy Controller of Corrections, he headed the Human Resource unit at the State Headquarters in Asaba, Delta State, from 2012 to 2015, and later oversaw the Intelligence unit at Zone A Headquarters, Lagos, from 2015 to 2017.
In 2017, he took charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Bayelsa, before leading the Operations Unit at the State Headquarters, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2018. From 2020 to 2022, he served as Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, Edo State, and later as Controller of Corrections (Operations) at Zonal Headquarters, Benin City.
Since January 2023, Agboje has been the Controller of Corrections, Ondo State Command, where his leadership continues to drive operational excellence.A firm believer in continuous learning, Agboje holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University.
He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Project Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. As a member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association, he holds certifications in human rights, International Humanitarian Law, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), and gender issues.
Agboje’s recent promotion has been celebrated widely. He was honored with the Certificate of Integrity Stewardship “Service Ambassador” Award and an Award of Excellence by the Center for Peace and Self-Values Re-Orientation, as well as an Award of Excellence by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Ondo State Chapter.
Reflecting on his achievement, Agboje stated, “This milestone is not just mine but a testament to the support of my family, colleagues, and community. I remain committed to advancing the Nigerian Correctional Service’s mission of rehabilitation and reform.”
Agboje’s rise from modest beginnings to Assistant Controller-General inspires many in Agbor and beyond, symbolizing the power of perseverance and dedication. His promotion strengthens the NCoS’s leadership and highlights its commitment to fostering talent from diverse backgrounds.
The promotion, approved in July 2025 by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Service Board (CDCFIB), underscores Agboje’s remarkable career and dedication to correctional service reform.Born in 1968, Agboje’s journey began with humble roots.
After graduating as a certified nurse from the renowned Delta State School of Nursing, Agbor, in 1990, he faced challenges securing a position with the Delta State Health Management Board. Educated at Alizomor Primary School and Omumu Grammar School, both rural institutions, Agboje’s early ambition was fueled by resilience.
While awaiting employment, he briefly served as ward publicity secretary for the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) amid Nigeria’s turbulent political climate in the early 1990s.
In 1991, Agboje joined the Nigeria Prisons Service (now NCoS) as a Senior Inspector of Prisons at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, following in the footsteps of several uncles and nephews in the paramilitary agency. His career progressed steadily, with a posting to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, in 1999.
Agboje’s expertise soon earned him international assignments, including a role as Correctional Advisor to the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, where he advanced prison health integration into the national health system.
In 2010, he served in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on staff training and infrastructural development, earning a United Nations Medal for his contributions.
Within Nigeria, Agboje’s leadership roles have been transformative. As a Deputy Controller of Corrections, he headed the Human Resource unit at the State Headquarters in Asaba, Delta State, from 2012 to 2015, and later oversaw the Intelligence unit at Zone A Headquarters, Lagos, from 2015 to 2017.
In 2017, he took charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Bayelsa, before leading the Operations Unit at the State Headquarters, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2018. From 2020 to 2022, he served as Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, Edo State, and later as Controller of Corrections (Operations) at Zonal Headquarters, Benin City.
Since January 2023, Agboje has been the Controller of Corrections, Ondo State Command, where his leadership continues to drive operational excellence.A firm believer in continuous learning, Agboje holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University.
He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Project Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. As a member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association, he holds certifications in human rights, International Humanitarian Law, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), and gender issues.
Agboje’s recent promotion has been celebrated widely. He was honored with the Certificate of Integrity Stewardship “Service Ambassador” Award and an Award of Excellence by the Center for Peace and Self-Values Re-Orientation, as well as an Award of Excellence by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Ondo State Chapter.
Reflecting on his achievement, Agboje stated, “This milestone is not just mine but a testament to the support of my family, colleagues, and community. I remain committed to advancing the Nigerian Correctional Service’s mission of rehabilitation and reform.”
Agboje’s rise from modest beginnings to Assistant Controller-General inspires many in Agbor and beyond, symbolizing the power of perseverance and dedication. His promotion strengthens the NCoS’s leadership and highlights its commitment to fostering talent from diverse backgrounds.
Comments