The North East Regional Initiative (NERI), a programme funded by US Agency for International Development (USAID) and British Government has reiterated its commitment in promoting sanitation and hygiene in female secondary schools in Maiduguri.
The State Programme Manager, Rukayya Jibrin, made this known Tuesday while handing over rehabilitated and newly constructed toilets in some government girls schools in Maiduguri.
Jibrin said NERI constructed and rehabilitated the toilets in Government Girls College Maiduguri, Government Girls Secondary School Maiduguri, and Government Girls Secondary School Yerwa as a result of the increase in number of students caused by closure of schools in some of the areas affected by insurgency.
“As a result of the insurgency, the 3 girls’ high schools in Maiduguri experienced an increase in the number of student population as the girls in other vulnerable schools across the State were relocated to the girls’ high school Maiduguri in the state capital.
“This exacerbated the already precarious situation of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in these schools as they became overstretched and were incapable of meeting the needs of the students.
“This situation was a major cause of concern to the Principals of the schools and the State Ministry of Education who reached out to NERI for assistance. In this regard, NERI supported the 3 girls’ schools with shower and toilet facilities.
“In addition, we also provided essential cleaning and sanitary materials to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities,” Jibrin said.
She also said that NERI has worked in collaboration with the Borno Government through partnering with several Ministries and the Local Government councils across the state to provide numerous supports to the people of Borno state particularly Women and girls in strengthening their Voices and empowerment.
Jibrin listed the construction of classroom blocks, equipment of libraries, provision of sporting equipments and enlightenment on Gender-Based violence as some of its activities in the female schools.
Speaking, the principal of Government Girls College, Hajiya Fati Yerima, lauded NERI for its series of intervention in schools which she said has not only improved sanitation and hygiene but quality of education in the schools.
