Only about a third of Nigerian schools have basic handwashing facilities, according to new data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The agency said 35 per cent of schools have access to soap and water, while just eight per cent of Nigerians can correctly demonstrate proper handwashing techniques. It warned that poor hygiene continues to threaten children’s health and school attendance across the country.
During a media mission to schools in Borno State to mark the 2025 Global Handwashing Day, UNICEF’s Officer in Charge in Maiduguri, Dr Marie Marcos, said strengthening hygiene infrastructure would improve learning, community health and productivity.
“While 99 per cent of Nigerians know when to wash their hands, only 8 per cent can do it correctly,” Marcos said. “Only 17 per cent of households have access to basic hygiene services.”
She said UNICEF, working with the Borno State Government, has helped institutionalise group handwashing in 50 schools, reaching about 20,000 pupils.
The Director of Hygiene at the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Gana Mala, said better hygiene practices could cut waterborne diseases and improve nutrition across communities.
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