The Role of Environmental Sanitation in Secondary Schools

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Over the past two decades, the role of environmental sanitation in schools has been more formally recognized as a critical factor influencing academic performance and student health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between poor sanitation and reduced school attendance, as well as the impact of clean environments on cognitive development and learning outcomes (Magero, 2018). Environmental sanitation in secondary schools plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of students, staff, and the surrounding community. In developing countries, including Nigeria, environmental sanitation is often a significant challenge in schools due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper waste management systems, and insufficient awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment (Adewale, 2019).

In secondary schools, students are particularly vulnerable to health risks associated with poor sanitation because they spend a considerable amount of time in these environments. The World Health Organization (2017) asserted that a clean environment promotes better physical and mental health, reducing the burden of diseases that could otherwise hamper educational progress. Conversely, schools with inadequate sanitation facilities may experience high absenteeism, especially during outbreaks of waterborne diseases, which can result in reduced learning opportunities and academic achievement (Okorodudu & Odebiyi, 2020).

The role of environmental sanitation extends beyond the physical environment to include behavioral factors. Adequate waste disposal, the management of toilets, access to clean water, and pest control measures all require active participation from both the school administration and students. The involvement of the community and local health authorities is essential in ensuring that schools are provided with the necessary resources to maintain high standards of sanitation (Magero, 2018).

Environmental sanitation according to Magero (2018) refers to the process of maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the hygienic conditions of an environment, especially in places where people live, work, and study. In the context of secondary schools, environmental sanitation encompasses the efforts made to maintain clean classrooms, restrooms, corridors, and surrounding grounds, as well as proper waste disposal, pest control, and the provision of safe drinking water (WHO, 2017).

In secondary schools, students are in a phase of rapid physical and cognitive development. Ensuring a clean and healthy environment not only prevents diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dysentery but also creates an atmosphere conducive to learning (Okorodudu & Odebiyi, 2020). School authorities, in collaboration with local governments and health organizations, must prioritize environmental sanitation to promote public health and enhance the academic experience.

A study conducted by Magero (2018) found that secondary schools with adequate environmental sanitation facilities reported a higher level of student satisfaction and better academic outcomes compared to those lacking such facilities. This underscores the importance of improving environmental sanitation practices within secondary schools. Therefore, environmental sanitation in schools is not only an issue of immediate health but also an educational opportunity to instill lifelong habits of cleanliness and responsibility.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that many secondary schools still struggle with inadequate sanitation practices, especially in developing countries. In Nigeria, for instance, poor waste disposal, lack of access to clean water, and insufficient restroom facilities are common issues that hinder the development of a healthy educational environment (Sule, 2020). Also, schools with poor sanitation are often prone to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dysentery, which directly impact student health and attendance (Magero, 2018).

Additionally, the neglect of sanitation in secondary schools is often a result of insufficient funding, lack of awareness among school authorities, and the absence of effective policies that prioritize school health. In some cases, poor sanitation is also exacerbated by overcrowded classrooms and the growing number of students in urban schools, leading to further strain on the already limited resources available for sanitation (Okorodudu et al., 2020).

Furthermore, the lack of proper sanitation in schools undermines efforts to teach students about hygiene and environmental responsibility. Without the necessary infrastructure and education, students are less likely to adopt good sanitation practices, which they could carry into their communities (Akinmoladun, 2021). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to examine how the state of environmental sanitation in secondary schools influences students' health and academic performance.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of environmental sanitation in secondary schools. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To assess the current state of environmental sanitation in secondary schools, including waste management, access to clean water, and the maintenance of sanitation facilities.
2. To examine the impact of environmental sanitation on student health, including the prevalence of sanitation-related diseases and their effects on school attendance.
3. To evaluate the relationship between environmental sanitation and academic performance in secondary schools, exploring whether clean and safe environments contribute to better concentration and learning outcomes.
4. To identify the challenges that secondary schools face in maintaining high standards of environmental sanitation, including financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of awareness.
5. To explore the role of school authorities, students, and the community in maintaining a clean and healthy school environment, and to assess the effectiveness of existing sanitation policies and programs.
6. To recommend strategies for improving environmental sanitation in secondary schools, with a focus on practical, sustainable, and community-based solutions.

1.4 Research Questions

Based on the stated objectives, the study seeks to answer the following research questions:

• What is the current state of environmental sanitation in secondary schools, specifically in relation to waste management, access to clean water, and sanitation facilities?
• How does the state of environmental sanitation in secondary schools impact student health, particularly in terms of the prevalence of sanitation-related diseases and its effect on school attendance?
• What is the relationship between environmental sanitation and academic performance in secondary schools, and does a cleaner environment contribute to improved student concentration and learning outcomes?
• What are the major challenges faced by secondary schools in maintaining high standards of environmental sanitation, and how do financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of awareness contribute to these challenges?
• How do school authorities, students, and the surrounding community contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy school environment, and how effective are the current sanitation policies and programs?
• What strategies can be recommended to improve environmental sanitation in secondary schools, particularly focusing on sustainable, practical, and community-based solutions?

1.5 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research study will contribute to raising awareness among school administrators, teachers, students, and policymakers about the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic learning environments.

Furthermore, the findings will help school authorities understand the specific sanitation challenges they face and guide them in making informed decisions regarding the improvement of sanitation infrastructure and practices.

Lastly, this research will also serve as a useful resource for government agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in education and public health, as it will accent the critical link between sanitation and student outcomes.

1.6 Scope of Study

This study will help school administrators understand the importance of maintaining proper environmental sanitation and how it directly influences students' health, discipline, and academic performance, guiding them in the effective allocation of resources and policy implementation.

Furthermore, the study will involve key stakeholders including school administrators, teachers, students, and staff from the Lagos State Ministry of Education and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to gain insight into existing sanitation policies, support systems, and challenges.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
3. Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Environmental Sanitation:

Environmental sanitation refers to the control of environmental factors that are related to disease transmission. In the context of secondary schools, it involves practices such as proper waste disposal, access to clean water, maintenance of clean classrooms and toilets, and hygiene education. It is a critical component of public health that directly affects students' wellbeing and learning capacity (World Health Organization, 2017).

Secondary Schools:

Secondary schools are educational institutions where students typically receive formal education after primary school and before higher education. In Nigeria, this level includes Junior Secondary School (JSS1–JSS3) and Senior Secondary School (SSS1–SSS3). These schools serve adolescents and are expected to provide not only academic knowledge but also promote health-conscious behaviors, including environmental sanitation (Federal Ministry of Education, 2020).

Sanitation Facilities:

Sanitation facilities refer to infrastructure such as toilets, handwashing stations, waste bins, drainage systems, and water supply points provided within the school environment. These facilities are vital for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections among students and staff (UNICEF, 2019).

School Environment:

The school environment includes the physical infrastructure, surrounding compound, classroom conditions, and all other external factors that influence students' comfort, health, and ability to learn. A clean and well-maintained school environment supports better attendance and academic performance (Akinmoladun, 2021).

Hygiene Education:

Hygiene education involves teaching students about personal and environmental cleanliness, including handwashing, proper waste disposal, and the importance of clean surroundings. It encourages lifelong health habits and creates awareness of the link between sanitation and health outcomes (Okorodudu & Odebiyi, 2020).