imminent Epidemic Threatens Community Day Secondary School in Bauchi Due to Poor Toilet Sanitation and Water Scarcity
Our correspondent from SPRINGNEWS visited Community Day Secondary School, Wunti Dada, on the outskirts of Bauchi State over the weekend and discovered a looming epidemic risk. The four-room toilet facility in the government-owned school was found in a deplorable state, surrounded by scattered excreta and emitting a nauseating odor of urine and decomposing feces.
The Community Day Secondary School, hosting approximately 1,000 students at both Junior and Secondary levels, is grappling with severe toilet sanitation issues. The school, part of the UBEC/SUBEB 2015 Projects, has become a breeding ground for health hazards, impacting the overall hygiene and well-being of students.
Some students, expressing their concern, revealed their reluctance to use the school’s toilets due to their appalling conditions. One female student shared, “I have never used any of the school’s toilets because of their bad conditions. I used to go to my friend’s place which is just a stone’s throw from the school, while some of us go into the bush during or after school hours because we don’t want to contract diseases.”
Teachers also highlighted the detrimental effects of the poor toilet conditions on both hygiene and the learning environment. A teacher disclosed, “The condition of the toilets in our school is appalling. They are not only unhygienic but also a breeding ground for various health issues. It’s disheartening to see students struggling with such necessities.”
The school principal, Bala Hassan Wunti Dada, acknowledged the inadequacy of toilet facilities and emphasized their urgent need for renovation. He stated, “You know having good toilet facilities is very hygienic because if you don’t have good toilets, the health of the students and teachers is at stake. We have four toilets and they are all in bad condition.”
Parents, echoing concerns, emphasized the importance of a clean and safe learning environment. One parent, Usman Wunti, expressed worry about the impact of poorly maintained toilets on children’s physical health and the overall learning experience.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of SUBEB, Mohammed Abdullahi, assured that addressing the dilapidated toilets in government-owned schools is part of their action plan for the year. Abdullahi stated, “Part of our action plan for the year will be the renovation of dilapidated classrooms and the construction of toilets, boreholes, and fences. We will also provide them with school gardens and sporting facilities.”
This situation underscores a broader issue in Nigeria, where more than half of young girls dropping out of school cite poor water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities as a primary reason. The need for urgent action to improve WASH facilities in schools is evident, as lack of access poses risks to both education and health.