Pupils task Kano Govt to address open defecation
Primary school pupils in Kano State have told the State Government to provide additional toilet facilities to address the issue of open defecation.
The pupils made the call during a Monday assessment tour of state government projects under the declared state of emergency in the education sector.
While they commended the government for prioritising education, they stressed that inadequate toilet facilities remain a critical challenge that must be resolved.
At Yelwa Model Primary School in Dala Local Government Area (LGA), Headboy Saminu Sunusi lamented the lack of sufficient toilets, revealing that the school has only two functional toilets for all its pupils.
“Due to the limited number of toilets, some pupils are forced to queue for long periods to relieve themselves, while others resort to defecating around the toilet area,” Sunusi said.
The Headgirl, Hadiza Ahmed Sulaiman, added that the absence of potable water exacerbates the problem.
“We urgently need at least 10 toilets equipped with pipe-borne water to maintain proper hygiene,” she said.
The situation is no different at Ungogo Special Primary School in Ungogo Local Government Area (LGA).
Headboy Nura Yusuf described the shortage of toilets as a daily struggle for pupils.
“When pressed, many of us have no choice but to defecate in open spaces within the school premises or return home during break time,” Yusuf said.
Headgirl Jamila Isa Suleiman highlighted the additional difficulties faced by female pupils, describing the situation as “especially distressing” for them.
The pupils collectively urged the Kano State Government to expedite the construction of more toilets and improve water supply in their schools.
They stressed that adequate sanitation facilities are essential for creating a conducive learning environment and ensuring the success of the government’s education initiatives.