A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) across Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara states has revealed that borstal institutions and juvenile remand homes are grappling with serious challenges, especially in the areas of feeding, infrastructure, healthcare, and security.

The survey also showed that while some facilities enjoy partial support from state governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the overall condition of these correctional and rehabilitation centres remains poor and in need of urgent intervention.

Stakeholders, in separate interviews, called for increased funding, infrastructural upgrade, and stronger partnerships between governments and religious organisations, private entities and philanthropic individuals to ensure the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders and vulnerable children in custody.

At the Oyo State Remand Home in Ibadan, feeding, electricity, water supply, and security were identified as major constraints affecting the welfare and rehabilitation of children in the facility.

Mrs Adebisi Sonuga, the Manager of the Home, told NAN that although the government and some NGOs have been supportive, available resources remain insufficient to meet the daily needs of the children.

“Feeding is the biggest challenge. The home needs about 18 cartons of noodles every week, which costs over N150,000. Due to funding gaps, we sometimes resort to snacks or macaroni when full meals aren’t possible,” she said.

Sonuga added that the borehole at the facility was not drilled deep enough to supply adequate water, and electricity remains unreliable, complicating daily operations.

On healthcare, she said that a nurse was permanently at the home, while a visiting doctor attends weekly.

According to her, more severe medical cases are referred to either the State Hospital or the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Sonuga also said that five juveniles currently remanded by court orders were housed at the home.

“Due to the lack of perimeter fencing and proper security, we are unable to allow remanded juveniles to attend school or vocational training for safety reasons,” she said.

In spite of the challenges, Sonuga commended ongoing support from volunteers, churches, and individuals who donate food, medical supplies, and training materials.

Also, Mr Godwin Amuno, Head of Unit at Obijackson Foundation, Ibadan, confirmed that his organisation has supported the remand home for over 15 years, supplementing government feeding and medical efforts.

“We provide meals and medical services through partner hospitals like Jericho Hospital, UCH, and Victory Hospital. Our volunteers also support with vocational and educational training,” Amuno said.

He decried the lack of community participation, saying: “Many wealthy individuals in the community are not involved. If everyone contributed even a little, the children would be better cared for.”

Findings at the Borstal Institution in Abeokuta, managed by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), revealed inadequate infrastructure and an urgent need for renovation.

A source at the institution, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said facilities such as hostels, classrooms, clinics, and recreational areas are overstretched and in poor condition.

“What we have is far from being conducive for rehabilitative work. The children need a supportive environment to fully reform and reintegrate into society,” the source said.

The source d that while some of the inmates have shown great improvement in behaviour, others have deteriorated due to various external factors including poor family background and lack of post-release support.

Training at the borstal covers academic, vocational, spiritual, recreational, and decision-making components. However, limited instructors, training materials, and classrooms hinder effective implementation.

“We need more teachers, materials, and mentors to help these boys build sustainable futures. Some of them go on to higher institutions or start their own trades after their time here,” the source added.

A visit to the Ogun Juvenile Correctional Centre, also in Abeokuta, showed similar concerns, especially with staffing and infrastructure.

Efforts by NAN to speak with the management of the centre was unsuccessful.

In contrast, the remand home in Ilorin, Kwara State, appears to be relatively well-managed with visible state support.

Mr Abdulfatai Hamat, Director of the Kwara State Remand/Juvenile Home, told NAN that the government provides regular monthly subventions to cater for the needs of the 21 inmates currently at the facility

“They are all males and are being well-fed three times a day. Health and general wellbeing are taken seriously,” he said.

Hamat said the inmates were brought in by the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the courts, under the supervision of the st’te Ministry of Social Welfare.

The director said the home had not recorded any jailbreak and permits visitation by parents.

“We also house young offenders from across the state and even beyond. Their offences include truancy, theft, disobedience, and in some cases, culpable homicide,” he added.

While serious cases are determined by courts, the home’s management decides the duration of stay for minors with less severe offences.

Mr Ganiyu Dare, the Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), stressed the need for further renovation of the facility to make it more conducive.

“Juvenile homes are meant to reform children who are victims of circumstance. They must be properly equipped to prepare these children for a better future,” Dare said.

He also called for collaborative efforts among government, private sector, NGOs and community leaders. (NAN)

•Borstal