Jigawa State Government Aims for Full WASH Coverage in Schools by 2030

The Jigawa State government, led by Governor Muhammad Badaru, is working towards achieving 100% Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) coverage in schools by 2030. During a media dialogue, the Technical Advisor on Basic Education, Dr.

Hauwa Mustapha Babura, highlighted the significance of WASH facilities in schools. The tour of selected primary schools and Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across Jigawa State was organized by UNICEF to emphasize the crucial role of WASH facilities, especially for girls' education.

Prof. Haruna Musa, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), acknowledged the challenges in basic education infrastructure and WASH facilities but assured the state's commitment to addressing them.

The state currently has 2,727 primary schools with 6,585 toilets and 618 junior secondary schools with 2,104 toilets. Dr.

Sussan Akila, a UNICEF advocacy and risk communication specialist, praised Jigawa State for being the first in Nigeria to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) and encouraged the state to sustain its efforts towards achieving full WASH coverage.