Evaluation of the Adequacy of Water Supply and Sanitation Facilities in Public Primary Schools in Kwara State

Water supply and sanitation facilities are fundamental building services for healthy school environments, and their adequacy in public primary schools in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, requires systematic assessment. This study evaluated water supply and sanitation facilities in 36 public primary schools across Ilorin East, Moro, and Offa Local Government Areas of Kwara State. Physical inspection was conducted using a WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme school WASH facility checklist. Parameters assessed included the number and functionality of water sources, toilet and hand-washing facility ratios per pupil, and toilet hygiene conditions. Headteachers and teachers (n = 72) were interviewed on operational challenges. Results showed that 42% of schools had no functional potable water source on the school premises. Toilet-to-pupil ratios were below the minimum standard of 1:25 in 83% of schools, with a mean ratio of 1:78. Separate toilet facilities for girls were absent in 47% of schools. Hand-washing stations with soap were functional in only 14% of schools on the day of inspection. Toilet hygiene was rated as poor or very poor in 67% of facilities. The study concludes that water supply and sanitation facilities in Kwara State public primary schools are grossly inadequate and fall far short of national and international standards. Emergency WASH infrastructure investment is recommended as a priority under the Universal Basic Education Commission programme.

Keywords: water supply, sanitation, school facilities, WASH, Kwara State