ASSESSMENT OF WASH IN RIVERINE PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools are vital to achieving conducive learning and well-being of pupils. The study assessed WaSH conditions in Riverine primary schools in Ojo Area of Lagos, Nigeria. The study employed field observation and administration of questionnaires to 256 pupils using purposive sampling techniques to obtain information on WaSH facilities in private and public primary schools. The data were analysed using descriptive and Chi-square statistics while the study area map and WaSH attributes were plotted using ArcMap and Excel software respectively. The results show that 92.7% of the pupils from the public school are acquainted with WaSH. Most of the schools have adequate water and handwashing facilities. The ratio of boys and girls to toilet facilities exceeded UNICEF standard while learning material on WaSH program was generally poor. The greater percentage of the pupils from public schools indicate their satisfaction with accessibility and the quality of service derived from WaSH facilities while the adequacy of WaSH facilities was rated below average. The majority of the pupils affirmed that adequate WaSH provisions will improve their academic performance. The test statistics show a significant relationship between WaSH attributes, academic performance, and the school type. The study serves as baseline information for policymakers and school management authorities for interventions in areas of greatest WASH needs. We concluded that private schools indicate some deprivation in WaSH conditions. We recommended adequate learning aids on WaSH, toilets, handwashing materials, and waste bins for optimum academic performance and well-being of the pupils with greater priority in the private schools.

Keywords

• hygiene
• primary school
• riverine
• sanitation
• water