The Environmental Studies Journal: Vol.6, No. 1,
pp 19 – 32; June, 2024

Evaluation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) Programme Implementation In Secondary Schools in Cross River State, Nigeria

1Agnes E. A. Offiong, 2Obogo, Simon Idoko, 3Eyamba Blessing Idem, 4Udoh Mercy Ndifreke and 5Unoh Enoh Etim
Department of Environmental Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, University of Calabar
agnesoffiong@yahoo.com
08035915139
2broidy4u@gmail.com ORCID: http/orcid/org/0009-0006-9096-3776
4Mercyemma4luv@yahoo.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4077-3015
5enoetimunoh@gmail.com ORCID: http/orcid.org/0009-0002-5303-280x

Abstract

This study evaluated the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme implementation (students’/teachers’ sanitation practices) in secondary schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions. The study adopted an evaluation research design. The study’s population comprised of all the 4,430 teachers and 16,662 SSS2 students across all 274 public secondary schools in Cross River State for the 2021/2022 academic session. The study’s sample was 698 respondents (558 students and 140 teachers) drawn using the simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was the Sanitation Practices Questionnaire (SPQ). The reliability coefficient was .78 using Cronbach Alpha. The collected data were analysed using mean scores. The findings of the study revealed that students rarely engage in sanitation practices while for the teachers, the finding revealed that their level of engagement in sanitation practices is very high. Based on the findings and conclusions, it was recommended among others that Government, through the ministries of education, environment and health, should organize regular workshops and seminars for teachers and students on sanitation practices.

Keywords: WASH program, WASH Implementation, Hand washing, access to WASH facilities