ACCESSIBILITY TO SANITATION FACILITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT)

ACCESSIBILITY TO SANITATION FACILITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT)

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1.1 Background of the Study

Access to adequate sanitation facilities is critical for the health, well-being, and educational outcomes of students. In secondary schools, sanitation facilities not only provide necessary health standards but also support the dignity and comfort of students. These facilities encompass access to clean water, functional toilets, waste disposal, and hygienic practices such as handwashing stations. Sanitation is a key determinant of public health, as inadequate facilities can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases and other health risks that negatively affect students' physical and cognitive development (Olatunji & Taiwo, 2021; Wada et al., 2020).

The importance of sanitation in schools extends beyond just hygiene; it is closely linked to educational performance, gender equity, and overall school attendance. Poor sanitation facilities are often a barrier to full participation in educational activities, particularly for adolescent girls, who are especially vulnerable to sanitation inadequacies (Ngwenya et al., 2018). When sanitation is compromised, students may avoid attending school, leading to lower educational outcomes and increasing absenteeism. This issue is particularly acute in many developing regions, where the prevalence of inadequate sanitation facilities remains high (Wahab et al., 2023). In countries like Nigeria, many secondary schools in rural and peri-urban areas face challenges in providing sufficient sanitation infrastructure, which negatively impacts the learning environment (Offiong et al., 2024).

Inadequate sanitation infrastructure in schools also raises concerns about hygiene practices and health conditions. According to a study by Olatunji and Thanny (2020), the availability of proper sanitation facilities is a major determinant of student health and learning performance in Nigerian secondary schools. Students in schools without adequate sanitation are at increased risk of illness, which can lead to frequent absences and diminished academic performance (Otto et al., 2022). This issue is often exacerbated by the lack of maintenance and operational inefficiencies, which lead to the deterioration of existing sanitation facilities (Byansi et al., 2025).

In Ikole Local Government, located in Ekiti State, Nigeria, many secondary schools face significant challenges in ensuring the availability and functionality of sanitation facilities. These schools are characterized by overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, and inadequate sanitation provisions (Wada et al., 2022). The state of sanitation facilities in these schools often reflects broader systemic issues such as underfunding, lack of policy implementation, and insufficient community involvement in maintaining school infrastructure. The accessibility and quality of these sanitation facilities are critical factors that influence student health, attendance, and academic success (Magwe, 2025). However, despite the importance of this issue, there has been limited research on the state of sanitation facilities in secondary schools within Ikole Local Government, particularly in terms of accessibility, adequacy, and the challenges faced by both students and staff.

In the context of global development, sanitation is recognized as a basic human right and a key indicator of progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which emphasizes the importance of clean water and sanitation for all (Poague et al., 2022). The United Nations (2018) has emphasized the role of school-based sanitation in improving health and educational outcomes. However, while there have been global advancements in sanitation provision, many regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa, still face significant gaps in access to basic sanitation services (Weaver et al., 2016). In Nigeria, where the availability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remains inadequate in many regions, the government has made efforts to improve WASH facilities in schools, but challenges persist in rural and underserved areas like Ikole Local Government (Girmay et al., 2023).

The research aims to examine the current state of sanitation facilities in selected secondary schools in Ikole Local Government, assessing their accessibility, adequacy, and the impact of these facilities on student health and academic performance. By identifying the key challenges and barriers to accessing sanitation, this study seeks to provide recommendations for improving sanitation infrastructure in these schools. The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the local context and inform policy decisions aimed at enhancing the educational environment and promoting the well-being of students in the region (Kusumaningtiar et al., 2024).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Ikole Local Government, many secondary schools lack adequate sanitation facilities, which poses significant challenges for students' health and academic performance. Despite the importance of sanitation in promoting a healthy and conducive learning environment, many schools in the region struggle with the provision and maintenance of basic sanitation services. This problem is exacerbated by overcrowding, insufficient funding, and poor infrastructure maintenance. The lack of functional toilets, handwashing stations, and safe drinking water in these schools is not only a violation of students' basic rights but also a contributing factor to poor health outcomes and low school attendance. Moreover, gender disparities in sanitation access further compound the problem, as girls often face additional challenges related to menstrual hygiene management. This study seeks to investigate the state of sanitation facilities in these schools, identify the factors limiting access to these facilities, and assess the impact of inadequate sanitation on student health and academic success. The findings will provide crucial insights into the barriers to improving sanitation in these schools and inform future policy and intervention strategies.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the accessibility and adequacy of sanitation facilities in secondary schools within Ikole Local Government. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Assess the availability, functionality, and adequacy of sanitation facilities (toilets, handwashing stations, and water access) in selected secondary schools in Ikole Local Government.

2. Identify the key factors influencing access to sanitation facilities in these schools, including infrastructural, financial, and management challenges.

3. Examine the impact of inadequate sanitation facilities on students' health, attendance, and academic performance.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will seek to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the current state of sanitation facilities in selected secondary schools in Ikole Local Government in terms of availability, functionality, and adequacy?

2. What are the main factors influencing access to sanitation facilities in these schools?

3. How does the quality and accessibility of sanitation facilities affect students' health, attendance, and academic performance?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways:

Contribution to Knowledge: By providing an in-depth analysis of the state of sanitation facilities in secondary schools in Ikole Local Government, this research contributes to the limited body of literature on the specific challenges faced by rural and underserved schools in Nigeria. The findings will provide insights into how inadequate sanitation affects students and the learning environment in this specific context.

Policy Implications: The findings of this study will inform policy decisions at local, state, and national levels aimed at improving the state of sanitation facilities in schools. This could lead to better resource allocation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced school management practices, with a focus on achieving SDG 6—clean water and sanitation for all.

Educational and Public Health Impact: Ensuring the provision of adequate sanitation facilities in schools is essential for promoting student health and academic success. The research could serve as a basis for advocacy to improve sanitation facilities, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and reducing absenteeism due to illness caused by poor sanitation.

Gender Equality: The study will highlight the gendered impacts of inadequate sanitation, especially for adolescent girls, and provide recommendations that can help address gender-specific sanitation needs, such as menstrual hygiene management.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

Scope:
This study focuses on secondary schools within Ikole Local Government in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It specifically examines the accessibility and adequacy of sanitation facilities (toilets, handwashing stations, and water access) in these schools, as well as the impact of these facilities on students' health and academic performance. The research includes both public and private schools within the local government area and covers various grades, including junior and senior secondary students.

Limitations:

• Geographical Limitation: The study is limited to selected secondary schools in Ikole Local Government, and as such, the findings may not be fully generalized to other regions in Ekiti State or Nigeria.

• Data Collection Constraints: The study relies on survey and interview data, which may be influenced by the respondents' willingness to participate and the accuracy of their responses. Additionally, observations regarding the state of sanitation facilities are limited to the schools selected for the study.

• Time Constraints: The time frame for data collection may limit the depth of analysis in certain areas, particularly in assessing long-term trends and changes in sanitation access.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

• Sanitation Facilities: Refers to the infrastructure and services provided for the safe disposal of human waste, including toilets, handwashing stations, and the provision of clean water.

• Accessibility: The ability of students to easily reach and use sanitation facilities without barriers, including physical, social, or financial obstacles.

• Adequacy: The degree to which sanitation facilities meet the required standards in terms of functionality, cleanliness, and health safety.

• WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): A collective term for water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices, which are essential for maintaining health and well-being.

• Gender-Sensitive Sanitation: Sanitation facilities that consider the unique needs of different genders, particularly in relation to menstrual hygiene management for adolescent girls.

• Impact on Academic Performance: Refers to the influence that sanitation-related factors (such as absenteeism, illness, and discomfort) have on students' ability to learn and perform academically.

1.8 Structure of the Study

The study is organized into five chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter introduces the study, providing the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and definitions of key terms.

Chapter 2: Literature Review
The literature review presents a detailed analysis of existing research related to sanitation in schools, with a focus on accessibility, adequacy, challenges, and impacts on student health and academic performance. It also examines relevant theoretical frameworks and past studies on school sanitation in different contexts.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology
This chapter outlines the research design, population, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures. It also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the study.

Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings
This chapter presents the results of the data analysis, including a description of the sanitation facilities in the selected schools, the factors influencing access, and the impact of sanitation on students' health and academic performance. The findings will be discussed in relation to the research questions.

Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
The final chapter summarizes the key findings, provides conclusions based on the research objectives, and offers recommendations for improving sanitation facilities in the schools studied. It also discusses policy implications and areas for further research.

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