A Comparative Analysis Of Implementation Of Right To Moral Education In Juvenile Correctional Institutions in Benue And Lagos States Of Nigeria

Abstract

The Child's Rights Act (CRA) of Nigeria in Part Il, Section 7 emphasizes that juveniles who have been adjudicated to terms in Juvenile Correctional Institutions (JCis) are entitled to the same quality of 'Right to moral education as their non-incarcerated peers. Indeed, criminological, sociological, international relations and social work findings revealed that provision of this right to juveniles in JCis is a good strategy to assist at-risk juveniles conform to conventional norms, become honest, just, accommodative, cooperative, distinguish between right and wrong, build good character and self-confidence, build moral values, reduce bad influences such as violence, agitations, abuse, disrespect and therefore, bring a reduction in crime rate. However, there are strong claims that this right is not provided in the JCIs in the 24 States out of the 36 States of Nigeria that domesticated the CRA. This study therefore, investigated the implementation of 'Right to moral education' in seven juvenile correctional institutions (JCis) in Benue and Lagos States of Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used for the study and 1,082 persons from 18 - 65 years from the study areas provided data through the use of questionnaire for quantitative analysis and in-depth interviews were conducted for qualitative analysis. Findings revealed that this right is provided to a very large extent to juveniles in Lagos JCls but juveniles in Benue JCls are largely denied this right. It is recommended among others that right to moral education be provided to juveniles in Benue JCls and other States in Nigeria should emulate Lagos in provision of the right in JCls as enshrined in the law.