Empowering Schools: Nigeria and UNESCO Champion Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria, along with the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO), is urging for stronger investment in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. This move aims to ensure student well-being and promote sustainability.

At a workshop in Abuja on June 16, 2025, Mrs. Obianuju Anigbogu, the Director of Educational Planning, emphasized the urgent need to tackle climate change’s impact on WASH systems in schools. Her representative, Mrs. Juliet Uzor, highlighted the challenges schools face due to poor infrastructure and climate-related issues.

Recent data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that nations like Nigeria are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. Anigbogu pointed out that lacking clean water and proper sanitation can severely affect student attendance and health, turning this into a fundamental human rights issue. “We must act urgently to create safe, healthy learning environments for Nigerian children,” she said.

Dr. Lateef Olagunju, the Secretary-General of NATCOM-UNESCO, echoed these sentiments, indicating that climate change not only hampers access to water but also poses significant risks to hygiene and sanitation, potentially leading to disease outbreaks in schools. Schools, he noted, are vital community hubs and should integrate sustainability into their curriculums.

Student voices highlighted the disparity in WASH facilities. Onyinyechi Livinus from Government Secondary School, Ushafa, described her school’s struggles with water access, illustrating the real challenges many students face. In contrast, Pascalyn Agbor from Government Science and Technical College, Area 3, spoke of her school’s better facilities, demonstrating that some schools are better equipped to handle these issues.

The workshop aimed to foster collaboration among education, health, environment, and development sectors, recognizing the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance Nigeria’s climate resilience.

Overall, access to clean water and sanitation is a pressing issue that directly influences educational outcomes and health. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, immediate action is essential to ensure all students have access to the resources they need for a better future.

For more detailed insights, you can explore the UNESCO report on Global WASH in Schools.

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