By Karen James
In a growing debate over Nigeria’s correctional system, experts and child rights advocates have called on the government to take a more serious approach toward juvenile justice reform. The current practice of placing young offenders in adult prisons is being criticised for turning these children into hardened criminals, rather than rehabilitating them.
Many argue that adult prisons are not designed to meet the developmental and rehabilitative needs of children. Instead of being offered counselling, education, and skills training, these young offenders are exposed to seasoned criminals, a situation that leads to negative influences and increases the chances of recidivism.
“Juvenile offenders need to be in environments where their minds can be reshaped, not further damaged. Adult prisons lack the facilities and programs that can help these young ones rethink their actions and reintegrate into society as responsible individuals,” said a legal expert advocating for juvenile justice reform.
Children in conflict with the law, if placed in juvenile detention centres, could benefit from orientation programs, vocational skills training, and psychological support, which would improve their future prospects and reduce the risk of reoffending. Such facilities should be focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Advocates are now pushing for the Nigerian government to invest in well-structured juvenile detention centres nationwide. These centres, they argue, would not only help reduce youth crime rates but also create a safer and more productive society in the long term.
Without urgent intervention, many fear that Nigeria’s prison system will continue to be a breeding ground for future criminal behaviour, especially among its vulnerable youth.
