Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Assistant Controller General (ACG) of Corrections, Mrs. Prisca Oku, on Wednesday visited the 93-year-old dysfunctional Borstal Training Institution in Ngwo, Enugu State, urging the Federal Government and philanthropists to support its resuscitation.
The Borstal Training Institution, Ngwo—currently undergoing renovation—is the only such facility in the South-East and South-South regions. Established in 1932 by the colonial administration, it operated fully until the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
Oku, who serves as the Zonal Coordinator in charge of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Zone M, Enugu, told journalists that the Service was working to ensure the institution becomes operational before the end of 2025.
She disclosed that two classrooms, offices, a hostel, and a kitchen had already been provided. In addition, a philanthropist recently undertook electrification works and donated 10 solar streetlights, water tanks, complete kitchenware, a gas cylinder, and an oven, among other items.
The ACG further noted that the NCoS had already deployed personnel for the institution’s initial take-off, including a Principal (a Controller of Corrections), about 25 correctional staff, and 16 armed squad officers.
Oku, who oversees NCoS Commands in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, appealed for more collaboration:
“We have all seen what is on ground and the gaps left. NCoS urges state governments in the South-East, especially Enugu State, as well as NGOs, faith-based organisations, foundations, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to help us make this place functional.
“Once operational, children here will benefit from educational and vocational training, along with standard rehabilitation procedures—including aftercare and follow-up care—as enshrined in the NCoS Act.
“While borstal homes in Abeokuta (South-West), Ilorin (North-Central), and Kaduna (North-West) are functional, the oldest one in Enugu, which serves the South-East and South-South, remains dormant.”
An Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) attached to the institution, Mr. Bernard Nweke, explained that although some colonial-era structures remain strong, they require modern renovations, fittings, and furnishing.
“We face challenges, especially with water supply, to meet the needs of children who will be admitted once the institution reopens.
“We also need a sickbay/clinic, a workshop for children inclined toward craftsmanship, and worship centres—including a church and a mosque,” Nweke said.
He added that adequate security personnel and a high perimeter fence are already in place to check unruly behavior among children admitted for reformation.
It will be recalled that the Ministry of Interior and the NCoS headquarters recently directed custodial centres nationwide to stop admitting juveniles (under 18 years old), stressing the need to rehabilitate and use borstal facilities instead.
