The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, organized a media dialogue aimed at strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in schools and healthcare facilities across Jigawa State.
The engagement focused on evaluating the state of WASH services in selected schools and primary healthcare centres, paying close attention to the presence, functionality, or absence of facilities.
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As part of the programme, journalists conducted a media tour of several schools and healthcare centres to observe firsthand the availability and condition of water supply systems, toilets, and hygiene facilities.
At the Kudai Primary Healthcare Centre, the Officer-in-Charge, Mrs. Zara Laminu, highlighted the challenges and importance of functional WASH facilities.
The media tour was followed by a roundtable discussion with UNICEF officials and representatives of the Jigawa State Government.
During the dialogue, both UNICEF and the state government pledged to strengthen initiatives aimed at improving WASH services in schools and healthcare facilities across the state.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Communication Specialist Susanne Akila emphasized that while progress has been made, more efforts are needed to close existing gaps in WASH services.
She commended Jigawa State for achieving and maintaining its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, first attained in October 2022 and sustained through late 2025.
Also addressing the stakeholders, the Technical Adviser to the Jigawa State Governor on Basic Education,Dr. Hauwa Babura, praised UNICEF’s dedication to improving children’s health, education, and overall wellbeing, assuring that the state government will intensify its support for WASH interventions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board,Professor Haruna Musa revealed that the state currently has 3,345 schools with 8,689 toilet facilities.
He noted that plans are underway to address gaps identified in WASH services.
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Stakeholders observed that improved collaboration and stronger implementation of WASH policies will significantly enhance the wellbeing of pupils, women, and girls, while also strengthening healthcare delivery across Jigawa State.