Background of the Study
Personal hygiene is a critical component of public health, and religious education can play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviors towards cleanliness and self-care. In Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State, religious teachings are often intertwined with daily practices, emphasizing the importance of physical and spiritual purity. The curriculum in secondary schools includes religious doctrines that stress the value of personal hygiene as both a moral responsibility and a communal duty. Educators leverage religious narratives that link cleanliness with spiritual well-being, thereby fostering a commitment to healthy practices among students (Usman, 2023). Research indicates that when students are exposed to religious education that underscores the significance of personal hygiene, they are more likely to adopt behaviors that promote health and prevent disease (Bello, 2024). In Bauchi LGA, these teachings are complemented by practical sessions, demonstrations, and community activities that reinforce the importance of cleanliness in daily life. Moreover, religious education serves as a platform for addressing public health challenges by instilling habits that contribute to a hygienic lifestyle. The emphasis on cleanliness in religious contexts is further supported by community leaders and parents, who often view personal hygiene as an extension of one’s moral and spiritual identity (Abdullahi, 2025). However, despite these positive influences, disparities remain in the level of commitment to personal hygiene among students. Factors such as resource constraints, inconsistent teaching methodologies, and varying socio-economic backgrounds can influence the effectiveness of religious education in this domain. This study seeks to explore how religious education affects students’ commitment to personal hygiene in Bauchi LGA by examining the interplay between curriculum content, instructional practices, and external socio-cultural factors. The research aims to provide empirical evidence on the correlation between religious teachings and hygienic behaviors, thereby offering insights for enhancing health education initiatives within religious frameworks. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of integrated educational strategies that promote both spiritual and physical well-being among students (Usman, 2023; Bello, 2024; Abdullahi, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although religious education in Bauchi LGA is designed to promote personal hygiene as a component of overall well-being, challenges persist in achieving consistent behavioral outcomes among secondary school students. Despite a curriculum that emphasizes the moral and health-related aspects of cleanliness, variations in implementation and resource availability have resulted in inconsistent adherence to hygienic practices among students. This gap between the curriculum’s intentions and the observed practices raises concerns about the effectiveness of religious education in instilling a lasting commitment to personal hygiene. Factors contributing to this problem include inadequate teacher training, disparities in school facilities, and external influences such as socio-economic conditions that may hinder the adoption of hygienic behaviors (Jarma, 2023). Furthermore, the lack of regular reinforcement and follow-up activities on personal hygiene topics may lead to a decline in students’ commitment over time. The study, therefore, seeks to investigate the factors that impede the successful integration of personal hygiene teachings within the religious education framework. By examining the current curriculum, teaching methodologies, and the broader community context, the research aims to identify the barriers that prevent students from consistently practicing personal hygiene. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that the health benefits of personal hygiene are fully realized, and that students develop lifelong habits that contribute to their well-being and public health. This study will also explore the role of parental and community involvement in reinforcing hygienic practices, with the goal of proposing strategies to enhance the overall effectiveness of religious education in promoting personal hygiene among secondary school students (Jarma, 2023; Musa, 2024; Usman, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
• To assess the impact of religious education on students’ commitment to personal hygiene.
• To identify the challenges in implementing personal hygiene teachings within the religious curriculum.
• To propose strategies to enhance the effectiveness of religious education in promoting hygienic practices.
Research Questions:
• How does religious education influence students’ commitment to personal hygiene?
• What challenges are encountered in teaching personal hygiene through religious education?
• What measures can be taken to improve the integration of personal hygiene in religious curricula?
Research Hypotheses:
• H₁: Religious education positively influences students’ commitment to personal hygiene.
• H₂: Inadequate instructional methods negatively affect the adoption of personal hygiene practices.
• H₃: Increased community and parental support enhances the effectiveness of personal hygiene education.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it investigates the role of religious education in fostering a commitment to personal hygiene among secondary school students in Bauchi LGA. By identifying the challenges and proposing targeted strategies, the research provides valuable insights for educators, health practitioners, and policymakers. The findings are expected to contribute to improved curriculum design and teaching methodologies that promote lifelong hygienic habits, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes in the community.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to secondary schools in Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State, focusing on religious education programs related to personal hygiene. Limitations include variability in school infrastructure and differences in teacher expertise.
Definitions of Terms:
• Personal Hygiene: Practices that maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases through cleanliness.
• Religious Education: Instruction that integrates spiritual, moral, and ethical teachings based on religious traditions.
• Commitment: The consistent and sustained adoption of behaviors aligned with learned principles.
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