The United Nations Children Funds, UNICEF, has said that the Jigawa State Government, have achieved open Defections problems becoming a role model for other States of the Federation to copy.
Speaking during a two day Media Workshop on Wash, Hygiene, Clean Environment programme for Primary Schools in Dutse, Jigawa State, weekend, the Officer In Charge Communication and Partnership UNICEF, Nigeria, Susan Akila, said that their follow-up supervision on Wash Hygiene programs, shows that Jigawa State, has taken the initiative with all seriousness.
Although, She said available survey Nationally shows that Nigeria achieved only 11% with States having 6% on the issues of Hygiene and Clean Environment for Schools, but in Jigawa the Government has done overtime wonderfully on the program.
Susan Akila, reminded that, simple things like having Wash Facilities of Soap, running water, clean environment and the separation of toilets for Girls, can make that particular Girl Child been withdrawn from Schools.
“That is why UNICEF, has taken with the Jigawa State Government to ensure that health related issues at Schools are been tackle, already we are working in tandem with the authority and I can tell confidently that they are doing excellent”.
However, Susan Akila, reminded that there is rooms for more, for other Schools visited who are either having toilets but without water or there is running water but without good toilets.
Speaking during the programme, the Chairman Jigawa State SUBEB, Professor Haruna Musa, explained that all their investments on Education were targeted to have learning outcomes greatly improved.
He said issues surrounding Basic Education today are so many, but particularly issues that has to do Wash Facilities and Hygiene together with Clean Environment must be given serious attentions.
Professor Haruna explained that today in Jigawa State, they are having 2,727 Primary Schools, while they have 618 Junior Secondary Schools in all these he added they have 8,689 Toilets and 6585 are all for Primary Schools.
“The Governor Umar Namadi, has given Us go ahead to ensure that we have 100% Wash Facilities across all the Schools within the State.
The Chairman notes that in this year 2026 Budgetary Allocations the Government gives 26% to Education although is less than 30% of last year but this year is bigger in size and the amount.
He said they have introduced Mother care programs, with Parents particularly Mothers having a follow-up mechanism for their Children on academic performance as well as Schools coming.
This is apart from a House to House visits to meets Parents on the issues of their Children, this idea would helped both parties having the Children Fully concentrating on their Studies.
