By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria – May 13, 2026 (Series News Online)- Kebbi State has commissioned the first National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, study centre in a custodial facility within the North-West geopolitical zone, in a move officials say will advance reformative justice and inmate rehabilitation.
The centre, located at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Birnin Kebbi, was inaugurated on Wednesday with support from the Nigerian Correctional Service and the National Open University of Nigeria.
Representing the Kebbi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Junaidu Bello Marshall, at the ceremony was the Director of Public Prosecution, Hudu Lawal Garba, SAN. He described the development as historic and a step toward restoring dignity to persons in custody.
“It gives me immense pleasure to be here on behalf of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Junaidu Bello Marshall, for this historic and remarkable occasion — the commissioning of the National Open University of Nigeria Study Centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Birnin Kebbi,” he said.
Garba said the initiative demonstrated the commitment of both the Nigerian Correctional Service and NOUN to human capital development and reintegration.
“Education remains one of the most effective tools for reformation and reintegration of inmates into society as responsible and productive citizens,” he stated on behalf of the ministry.
He noted that the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice had sustained collaboration with the custodial centre to improve inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation.
“As stakeholders in the administration of justice in Kebbi State, the Ministry of Justice has continued to collaborate with the custodial centre in actualising several impactful projects aimed at improving the welfare, security, and rehabilitation of inmates,” he said.
According to him, the projects include the construction and renovation of a health clinic, establishment of a skills acquisition centre, provision of boreholes, toilets, kitchen facilities, and installation of solar panels and CCTV systems to support federal government efforts.
Garba attributed the progress to the Kebbi State Government’s focus on access to justice and humane correctional administration under Governor Nasir Idris.
“These projects underscore the commitment of the Kebbi State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, towards promoting access to justice, humane correctional administration, and sustainable rehabilitation programmes,” he said.
He described the study centre as a bold step toward giving inmates hope and a second chance.
“The establishment of this study centre is a bold step toward giving hope and a second chance to persons in custody. It reinforces the principle that correctional facilities should not merely serve punitive purposes, but should also provide opportunities for education, self-improvement, and transformation,” he said.
Garba commended the Nigerian Correctional Service, NOUN, development partners, and other stakeholders for making the project possible, and expressed hope that the centre would serve as a model for other states.
Tags
Education