By Bashir Bello

KANO — The Jigawa State Government has underscored the urgent need for adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in public schools, describing them as critical to boosting enrolment and ensuring pupil retention, especially among girls.

The Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Haruna Musa, made this known during a media dialogue with Kano-based journalists organised by the UNICEF in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau under the Federal Ministry of Information.

Musa said the absence of basic WASH facilities in schools remains a major factor driving girls out of school, stressing that the challenge continues to undermine efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable basic education.

He noted that improving access to clean water, functional toilets, and proper hygiene facilities in schools will not only enhance enrolment but also improve learning outcomes and reduce absenteeism across the state.

“We are aware of where attention is needed. Our plan is strategic and focused on addressing access challenges, as lack of WASH facilities contributes to girls dropping out of school,” he said.

He disclosed that the state government has accorded WASH programmes top priority, adding that interventions in the sector have been fully integrated into the state’s planning and implementation framework for 2026.

Earlier, UNICEF WASH Consultant Job Obimini, while presenting an overview of WASH implementation nationwide, noted that Nigeria’s WASH indicators remain generally poor.

He cited national survey data showing that only 11 per cent of schools have adequate WASH facilities, while hygiene and sanitation coverage in health facilities stands at just six per cent in the North-West region.

A field visit to selected schools and healthcare centres in some local government areas of Jigawa State revealed that many schools lack essential facilities needed to ensure adequate and potable water supply, handwashing points, and functional toilets. In some cases, WASH facilities had been provided but poor maintenance and neglect had left them dilapidated and unusable.

The findings highlight the urgent need for sustained investment, proper maintenance, and behavioural change to ensure that WASH infrastructure delivers its intended benefits for pupils and communities.