Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), a non-governmental organisation focused on prison reform and access to justice, has inaugurated newly renovated National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) study centres at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi-New, in Nasarawa State.
The initiative is designed to expand educational opportunities for inmates, strengthen rehabilitation programmes and support successful reintegration into society after incarceration.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday, HBBA Executive Director, Mrs. Funke Adeoye, represented by the organisation’s Programmes Manager, Mr. Nurudeen Hassan, described the project as a significant step toward transforming correctional facilities into centres of learning, personal development and second chances.
According to Adeoye, the renovated facilities were established under the Civic Accord Project, a multi-component programme supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy. The project seeks to address challenges within Nigeria’s justice sector, including limited access to justice, weak institutional coordination and low civic participation among grassroots communities.
She said the organisation remains committed to promoting dignity, justice and opportunities for vulnerable populations, including persons in custodial centres.
“Hope Behind Bars Africa is founded on the belief that every Nigerian deserves access to justice, dignity and an opportunity to rebuild their life regardless of their circumstances,” she said.
“The inauguration of these study centres demonstrates that rehabilitation is achievable when education and personal development are prioritized.”
Adeoye explained that HBBA has consistently focused on transforming correctional facilities through educational programmes, vocational training and human rights-centered initiatives.
She noted that the newly renovated NOUN and NABTEB centres provide inmates with access to formal education and skills acquisition opportunities that can improve their future prospects.
According to her, the project aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, which emphasizes rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration as key components of correctional administration.
“The facilities we are handing over today represent practical evidence that rehabilitation works,” she said. “Education remains one of the most effective tools for helping individuals rebuild their lives and prepare for productive participation in society.”
Adeoye expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Correctional Service, development partners and stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
She specifically commended officials of the Nasarawa State Command and management of the Keffi custodial facility for their collaboration and commitment throughout the implementation process.
Addressing inmates during the ceremony, Adeoye encouraged them to take full advantage of the educational opportunities now available.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s confidence in their ability to learn, grow and contribute positively to society upon release.
“To the inmates who will benefit from these centres, we believe in your potential,” she said. “This project is designed to support your personal growth and future success.”
She added that the long-term goal is to ensure correctional facilities across Nigeria become environments that promote learning, rehabilitation and transformation.
In his remarks, Mr. Anthony Sanda, Controller of Corrections, Nasarawa State Command, praised HBBA for its continued support of correctional facilities nationwide.
Sanda described education as a critical component of inmate rehabilitation and reintegration, noting that educational programmes help prepare inmates for meaningful and productive lives after release.
He said the intervention would significantly enhance learning opportunities within the Keffi custodial centre.
“Education remains one of the strongest tools for rehabilitation and personal transformation,” Sanda said.
“Hope Behind Bars Africa has consistently supported correctional centres across the country, and we are pleased to witness the commissioning of these renovated facilities.”
He urged inmates to make the most of the resources available to them and use education as a pathway toward self-improvement and positive change.
Also speaking, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Samaila Bulu, Officer in Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi-New, emphasized the positive impact education can have on inmates’ emotional and psychological wellbeing.
According to him, incarceration often presents emotional challenges, making educational and rehabilitation programmes essential for maintaining hope and encouraging positive behaviour.
“Providing inmates with opportunities to learn helps them remain focused on personal development and future goals,” Bulu said.
“These educational platforms will engage them constructively and support the broader rehabilitation efforts of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
As part of the intervention, HBBA, in partnership with the Youth Africa Leaders Initiative Network (YALI Network) and with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, donated educational materials to the facility.
Items provided included textbooks, notebooks, desktop computers, markers, solar inverter systems, chairs and tables to enhance the learning environment for inmate-students.
The event attracted officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, representatives of justice-sector institutions, development partners and inmates of the custodial centre.
Stakeholders described the project as an important investment in rehabilitation and education, highlighting the role of learning in reducing recidivism and creating opportunities for successful reintegration into society
