About

I am an internationally recognised criminologist, a British Chevening Scholar and a UNODC Expert in restorative justice. Over the years, my work has significantly shaped the fields of Restorative Justice, Victimology, Counterterrorism/Violent Extremism Studies, and Criminal Justice Reform across Africa, the United Kingdom, and global policy communities. My research career demonstrates consistent leadership, originality, and substantial influence on academic scholarship, public policy, and practice within the social sciences.

I completed my PhD in Criminology at De Montfort University, Leicester, where my pioneering study on Restorative Justice and Victimology established me as one of the earliest scholars to bridge Euro-African perspectives on restorative practice. My doctoral work laid the foundation for an extensive academic career focused on transforming justice systems through evidence-based, community-centred approaches. This scholarship culminated in the publication of the influential monograph Restorative Justice and Victimology: Euro Africa Perspectives (2012), widely referenced by policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working on justice reform across Africa and Europe.

I have held senior academic appointments in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, including Professor of Criminology and Head of the Department of Sociology at the Federal University Wukari. Currently, I am a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Derby and Honorary Visiting Fellow at the University of South Wales. In these roles, I have led departmental reforms, supervised research teams, strengthened academic programmes, and contributed to institutional governance through service on Senate, business case committees, quality assurance bodies, and curriculum development panels.

My leadership extends to academic programme direction and departmental management, including serving as Programme Leader for Criminology at the University of Derby (2022–2023) and multiple senior roles during my tenure in Nigeria (Acting Dean, Head of Department, Committee Chair, Senate Member). My long-standing commitment to academic development also includes mentoring early-career scholars and supporting curriculum modernisation in criminology and social sciences.

Teaching responsibilities

Within the UK and Nigeria, I have taught courses such as:

• Introduction to Criminology
• Criminological Theory
• Victimology and Restorative Justice
• Forensic Criminology
• Research Methods

Research interests

My research interests include:

• Restorative justice
• Victimology
• Counterterrorism/violent extremism
• Offenders’ rehabilitation
• Transnational organised crimes
• International security

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow Higher Education Academy, UK
• Global Advisory Board Member to Restorative Justice International, USA
• Founder/President, African Forum for Restorative Justice
• Member, World Society of Victimology
• Member, British Society of Criminology
• Member, Nigeria Society of Criminology
• Member, International Society of Economic Criminology
• Member, Restorative Justice Pedagogy Network

Qualifications

• PhD Criminology (Restorative Justice and Victimology) - De Montfort University, Leicester, UK (2005–2009)
• MSc Criminology - University of Leicester, UK (2002–2003)
• BSc (Hons) Psychology (2:1) - University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1992–1996)
• Diploma in Public Health (Distinction) - College of Health Technology, Idah (1986–1989)
• Certificate in Terrorism and Counterterrorism - University of Maryland, USA (2014)

Recent conferences

I have presented papers on restorative justice, victimology and counterterrorism at:

• World Society of Victimology (The Hague)
• International Institute of Restorative Practices (Toronto)
• British Society of Criminology (Huddersfield)
• UN International Governance & Democracy Conference (Addis Ababa)
• Institute for Security Studies Conference (South Africa)
• Africa/Diaspora Peace Conference (California State University)

Experience in industry

Beyond academia, I have a distinguished record of practitioner engagement and public service, having spent nearly two decades as a Senior Prison Officer in Nigeria, where I delivered prison education, rehabilitation, and staff training. My practitioner background gives me a unique depth in applied criminology and policy implementation, strengthening the real-world impact of my research. My research impact contributed to the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act in 2019, which mainstreamed the use of restorative justice in prisons.

International experience

Internationally, I have been invited as a Guest Lecturer and Visiting Expert to institutions including Loyola Marymount University (USA), the University of South Africa (UNISA), and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ). I have participated in several high-level funded projects, including a 26.5 million national School Security Project, a $16,000 evaluation of intergroup conflict-reduction programmes funded by Search for Common Ground (USA), and a national Elections Security Threat Assessment Programme.

Additional interests and activities

My growing international reputation is further demonstrated through editorial roles, including membership of the Global Encyclopaedia of Restorative Justice editorial team, Editorship of the FUWukari Journal of Sociology, and advisory board roles with Restorative Justice Initiatives (UK), Restorative Justice International (USA), and the Committee of Restorative Researchers (UK).

In the media

I have featured in several international media such as ARISE TV, AIT, Newspapers, and Radio programmes.

Amongst them are:

• Reforming Nigeria's Criminal Justice System - Dr John Omale (Arise News)
• Omale: App-Based Drivers Face Widespread Victimisation Across Nigeria (Arise News)
• Harnessing Restorative Justice in Nigeria: A Deep Dive with Don John Omale

Recent publications

My publication record spans peer-reviewed journals, international book chapters (including multiple volumes with Springer and Routledge), technical reports, and two authored books. My scholarship has influenced policy debates on policing ethics, counterterrorism, prison reform, corruption, restorative justice, and community security governance.

His recent publications (2024–2025) continue to extend his international academic profile, particularly through contributions to Springer volumes on transnational organised crime and policing futures.

Journal articles

• Omale, D.J.O and Oyebanji, O.A (2025). An assessment of factors of economic and financial corruption in Nigeria. Journal of Economic Criminology
• Omale et al. (2017). Inmates’ perception of living conditions in a medium-security prison in Nigeria. Highland Medical Research Journal
• Omale, D.J.O (2016). Towards Restorative Justice in Africa. Global Journal of Advanced Research
• Omale, D.J.O (2013). Terrorism and Counterterrorism in Nigeria: Lessons for Public Policy. Canadian Social Science Journal
• Omale, D.J.O (2014). Prisoners' Reformation and Reintegration Programmes in Nigeria. Ilorin Journal of Sociology

Book chapters

Omale, D.J.O (2026). How Might We Prevent Youth Crime: Lessons from Research in Nigeria. IGI Publishing.

Omale, D.J.O (2025). Unconventional transnational organised crimes in Nigeria. Springer.

Omale, D.J.O (2025). Police ethics and accountability in Nigeria. Springer.

Amali and Omale (2024). The Nigerian Correctional Service. Routledge.

Omale and Oshita (2020). Restorative Justice in Countering Violent Extremism. IPCR

Books

• Omale, D.J.O (2012). Restorative Justice and Victimology: Euro Africa Perspectives. Wolf Legal Publishing.
• Omale, D.J.O (2005). Understanding Restorative Justice: A Handbook for Criminal Justice Stakeholders. Trinity Press.