PLACE ADVERT HERE
ADAMAWA STATE, NETHERLANDS PARTNER TO IMPROVE SCHOOL WATER ACCESS IN SHELLENG.
.jpg)
- EDOM JOHN
- 19 Feb, 2026
PLACE ADVERT HERE
By Edom John
In a renewed effort to strengthen child health, safety and education, the Adamawa State Government, with support from the Government of the Netherlands, has intensified efforts to sustain water facilities in public schools under the Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project.
During a monitoring exercise conducted on Wednesday at Pilot Primary School and Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Primary in Kiri community, Shelleng Local Government Area, officials assessed the functionality and sustainability of newly provided water facilities aimed at improving hygiene and learning conditions.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Shelleng Local Government authorities, and supported by the Netherlands government.
The intervention now guarantees pupils access to clean and safe water within school premises — a development expected to significantly enhance hygiene practices, environmental sanitation and overall academic performance.
Speaking during the monitoring visit, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, described access to water as a fundamental right of every child. She recalled that prior to the intervention, pupils were compelled to leave school grounds to fetch water from distant rivers and boreholes — a situation that exposed them to safety risks and disrupted learning.
“Children should be safe in school. Going outside the school environment to fetch water is not safe. UNICEF remains committed to ensuring their safety, education and hygiene. With water now available in the school, we anticipate improved attendance and reduced dropout rates,” she stated.
Headmaster of Pilot Primary School, Umar Saidu Richard, expressed appreciation to UNICEF and its partners, noting that the project has eliminated the need for pupils to abandon classes in search of water.
“This intervention is a major relief not only for the pupils but also for members of the community who will benefit from the facility,” he said.
Shelleng LGA WASH Coordinator, Gideon Emmanuel, explained that beyond improving conditions for pupils, the project has elevated living standards within the host community, as additional water access points were extended for communal use.
Beneficiary pupils also shared their excitement. Edith Meshak said that before the intervention, students frequently missed lessons while fetching water from nearby rivers. “Now we have water in our school and we are very happy,” she said. Similarly, Munirat Umar described the project as marking the end of the “era of searching for water” during school hours.
The WASH Chairperson of Shelleng Council, Athina Baunoshimi, highlighted broader community gains, including increased hygiene awareness, reduced open defecation and improved maternal health practices.
“Open defecation has reduced significantly. Women are more enlightened, and health challenges have decreased,” she said.
Hygiene Promotion Officer Judith Y. Hetteh and Nutrition Officer Hannatu Koliro further confirmed that sustained health awareness campaigns have improved hygiene practices, particularly regarding maternal care and the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
Representing the District Head, Alhaji Musa Husain commended UNICEF and its partners for delivering both infrastructure and health education to the community.
RUWASA officials also disclosed ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation across Shelleng LGA before the end of the year. Out of 383 communities in the area, 293 have been sensitized on sanitation risks, while work continues in the remaining communities.
The initiative marks another significant milestone in advancing child health, education and community wellbeing in Adamawa State through sustainable water and sanitation interventions.
PLACE ADVERT HERE
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Search
Category
PLACE ADVERT HERE
