Gov. Namadi Emphasizes Children's Well-being in Education; UNICEF Praises Jigawa State Efforts

Governor Namadi of Kano stressed the need for children to not only survive but also thrive during a media dialogue. Dr.

Hauwa Mustapha Babura, a technical advisor on basic education, emphasized the critical role of wash facilities in schools for children's health. Prof.

Haruna Musa, Chairman of Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), acknowledged the challenges faced in basic education infrastructure and wash facilities. UNICEF's advocacy risk communication specialist, Dr.

Sussan Akila, commended Jigawa State for being the first in Nigeria to achieve open defecation-free status but expressed concerns over poor wash conditions in schools. Jigawa State has made progress with 2,727 primary schools and 618 junior secondary schools having wash facilities, but there are still challenges to achieve 100% wash coverage by 2030 as per SDG goals.