Stakeholders have expressed serious concern over the absence of water and basic hygiene facilities in 6,279 public schools in Kano State, describing the situation as a major threat to the safety and wellbeing of children.
The concern was raised on Wednesday during a media and stallholders dialogue on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Schools and Primary Health Cares organized by Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF, held in Kano.
This comes after a one day field trip to some schools to observe the availability of the WASH services in Kano State.
According to the available data, out of the total number of public primary and junior secondary schools only 2503 have WASH facilities in Kano State, leaving over 6279 in danger.
They noted that, lack of WASH services in schools leads to increased spread of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, resulting in frequent illness and absenteeism among children. They observed that it reduces learning outcomes, forces pupils especially girls to miss classes, and exposes them to safety and dignity risks.
They however called for urgent action to address the lingering problem for the brighter future of children and Nigeria.
While reacting, Chairman Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB ), who was represented by the Secretary of the Board, Hajiya Amina Umar lamented the huge gaps of WASH services in schools.
She said the State Government has budget on WASH activities in its annual budget to attain 100% WASH services coverage in schools and is aligning with SDG 2030 Agenda but budget releases sometimes is affecting the process.
She said, the Board will continue collaborating with communities, UNICEF and other development partners as well as NGOs to enhance the provision and maintenance of WASH facilities at School level.
Hajiya Amina assured that the present administration will maintain the provision of funds in its annual budget to SUBEB for WASH facilities.
Earlier, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) raised serious concerns over the poor state of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in primary healthcare facilities and schools in Nigeria.
Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed said findings from the 2021 WASHNORM II survey, Nigeria’s most comprehensive national assessment of WASH services shows that only 11% of schools nationwide have access to basic water supply.
He warned that the situation poses grave risks to children’s health, education and dignity.
According to the survey, only 11 per cent of schools nationwide have access to basic water supply, sanitation and hygiene services, while a disturbing six per cent of health facilities meet the same minimum standards.
The situation, Mr. Farah noted, is even more severe in rural areas of Northwest Nigeria.
Farah stressed that schools and healthcare facilities, which serve large numbers of people daily, can quickly become centres for disease transmission if adequate WASH services are not provided.
He urged all stakeholders to intensify advocacy and investment, noting that Nigeria’s children deserve safe and healthy environments where they will learn and grow.
Stakeholders raise alarm over poor WASH facilities in 6,279 Kano public schools
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