Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, says the federal government has approved the establishment of a national paramilitary academy.

Tunj-Ojo spoke in Abuja on Wednesday when Ali Ali, the managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

He said President Bola Tinubu at Monday’s federal executive council (FEC) meeting approved the establishment of the institution.

The minister said there is a need to establish a degree-awarding institution where young citizens can be trained in paramilitary engagement.

He said such an institution, like the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), would train young Nigerians after securing admission through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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

The minister further said the president approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to cater to the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country.

He added that there was also presidential approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post medical doctors to correctional centres for the service year.