The Bonafide Advocator Initiative (BOFAI), a youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to juvenile justice reform, has finalized a renovation project for the library at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys located in Oregun, Lagos State.
The organization stated that this initiative is part of its larger mission to boost educational access and rehabilitation for young individuals involved with the justice system.
In Nigeria, juvenile correctional facilities are intended to foster rehabilitation rather than punishment, and education is viewed as a critical component of this process. The Special Correctional Centre for Boys in Oregun is among several institutions that accommodate juveniles and young offenders.
According to BOFAI, while there was a library in existence, it discovered that low literacy levels, lack of motivation among the boys, and the absence of structured support hindered its usage. BOFAI's evaluation revealed that the library was in poor condition, filled with outdated and damaged books, and lacked an atmosphere conducive to learning and reading.
The library renovation project commenced in late 2025 with the goal of addressing these significant deficiencies. The improvements included repairs to chairs, shelves, and the ceiling, repainting the library, and clearing out damaged or irrelevant books. The refreshed space has since been reopened.
The renovated library now offers a more supportive environment for studying, self-reflection, and personal growth for the boys residing at the centre.
During a discussion about the project, BOFAI’s Founder, Oluwatobi Adetona, emphasized that the initiative extended beyond mere physical alterations. She highlighted that ensuring educational access in correctional centres goes beyond simply having libraries.
"It’s essential to make learning engaging, meaningful, and achievable for young individuals who have frequently found themselves excluded from conventional educational systems," Ms Adetona remarked.
As part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle ongoing challenges within juvenile facilities, BOFAI also plans to implement a reward-based reading model to motivate participation and foster a sustainable reading culture.
Under this model, a boy will be designated as the library captain to help oversee the space, while others will be encouraged to engage in regular reading activities. Ms Adetona mentioned that they would also organize quarterly visits to interact with the boys and reward their positive contributions.
The initiative aligns with BOFAI's aftercare philosophy, which supports youth beyond their time in custody through ongoing mentorship, access to educational resources, and pathways back into traditional educational systems. This approach is aimed at reducing recidivism rates and facilitating successful reintegration into society.
Project Lead, Oluwatosin Olajubu, expressed that participating in this project was a privilege, requiring the organization to look beyond infrastructure and consider the real challenges faced by the boys who will utilize this space daily.
She affirmed, "What we discovered was not an absence of interest in learning but rather a system that has not been structured to support it."
Established in 2019, BOFAI is a non-governmental organization focused on advocating for social justice for marginalized individuals within correctional systems. Through legal aid, mentorship, and aftercare programs, the organization strives to guide juveniles and young adults towards rehabilitation and successful societal reintegration.
By transforming the library into a friendly and guided learning space, BOFAI is effectively linking education with rehabilitation and long-term reintegration. This project serves as a foundational effort rather than a concluding act, and BOFAI remains committed to supporting these boys moving forward.
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