Jigawa gov’t seeks full WASH coverage in schools by 2030

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, says his administration is making concerted efforts to ensure that pupils in the state, particularly the girl child, have access to adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools to enable them not only survive but also thrive.

The governor disclosed this through his Technical Adviser on Basic Education, Dr Hauwa Mustapha Babura, during a media dialogue held after a tour of selected schools and Primary Health Care (PHC) WASH facilities across Jigawa State.

The tour was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

He stressed that functional WASH facilities play a vital role in keeping children, especially girls, in school, noting that access to proper sanitation and hygiene is essential for their health, dignity and academic performance.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, said the state government is fully aware of the challenges confronting basic education, particularly in the areas of school infrastructure and WASH facilities.

He noted that the present administration is taking deliberate steps to address the challenges, assuring that the state remains committed to achieving 100 per cent WASH coverage in schools by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We are aware of our challenges, and we are working towards addressing them. However, learning cannot stop simply because there are no functional toilets in some schools. As you have seen, we are making progress and will achieve our targets in due time,” he said.

He further disclosed that the state has 2,727 primary schools with 6,585 toilets, while 618 junior secondary schools have a total of 2,104 toilets.

In her remarks, UNICEF’s Advocacy and Risk Communication Specialist, Dr Sussan Akila, commended Jigawa State for being the first state in Nigeria to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).

She added that with sustained efforts, the state can achieve 100 per cent WASH coverage.

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