About Us
For there is hope in their future
Cottage of Hope is a transformative NGO dedicated to restoring hope and purpose to incarcerated individuals in Nigeria. Through innovative rehabilitation programs—including education, vocational training, counseling, and family support—we empower prisoners to break free from the cycle of crime and rebuild their lives. With over 50 success stories and expert leadership from Dr. Oluyemi Stephens, a dual-Ph.D. specialist in criminal justice and psychology, we don’t just change individuals—we transform systems. Join us in rewriting futures, from prison to productivity.
Our Story
In Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons, thousands lose hope—but Cottage of Hope rewrites their stories. Since 2008, we’ve transformed over 50 former inmates through education, vocational training, and counseling, turning prisoners into productive citizens. Our unique, end-to-end approach doesn’t stop at prison walls: we provide family support, advocate for systemic change, and ensure long-term reintegration. Founded by Dr. Oluyemi Stephens, a dual-Ph.D. expert in criminal justice and psychology, we tackle the root causes of reoffending—not just the symptoms. Every skill learned, every life rebuilt, proves that hope is never lost. Join us in breaking the cycle of crime and restoring futures.
Core Institutional Priorities
To lead prisoner rehabilitation efforts in Nigeria by serving as a reference point for innovative and effective programs that restore hope and reduce recidivism.
To empower inmates through education and skills development, offering formal/informal education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial programs for successful reintegration.
To provide holistic support services, including counseling, halfway homes, and family assistance, ensuring inmates and ex-inmates thrive post-release.
To advocate for prisoners’ rights and systemic reform by promoting alternatives to imprisonment, influencing policy, and amplifying their voices in justice frameworks.
To advance rehabilitation through research and capacity-building, organizing workshops, conferences, and training to improve best practices in the sector.
To foster partnerships with like-minded organizations to amplify impact and create collaborative solutions for rehabilitation and reintegration.
