By News Desk
In a bid to improve hygiene and learning conditions in underserved schools, the Create that Change Development Initiative (CCDI), in partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, has commissioned two modern eight-stall toilet facilities for pupils in public primary schools in low-income communities of Abuja.
The toilets, located at LEA Nomadic Primary School in Apo Dutsen-Garki and LEA Primary School in Kabusa, mark the first phase of CCDI’s flagship Public School Revival Initiative (PSRI) aimed at transforming Nigeria’s public school environments through infrastructure renewal.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Sharon Ayeni, Executive Director of CCDI, emphasized that the intervention goes beyond construction — tackling electricity and water challenges as well.
“In the LEA Nomadic School, they didn’t have electricity. So, we connected them to electricity,” Ayeni said.
“The school in Kabusa already had a borehole, but no running water. So, we reconnected them to the water supply before building this toilet facility.”
Ayeni noted that CCDI had engaged the Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs) of both schools to ensure the maintenance of the facilities.
“We’ve handed the toilets to the school and the community. It’s up to them to maintain these facilities,” she said.
“We’ll also come regularly to check and provide support if they need help.”
Patrick Egloff, Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, lauded the initiative, describing it as an investment in the future of the country.
“The future of Nigeria lies with the pupils… and the fact that they have a place to get education means a lot,” Egloff stated.
“Going to school without proper sanitation is not the way it should be, and we’re very happy that this is changing now, especially for the girls and young women.”
At LEA Primary School, Kabusa, head teacher Bisala Rukkiyya was overwhelmed with joy, recounting how dire the toilet situation had been before the intervention.
“I told CCDI our immediate problem was the toilet. Before a month, they had finished building it. I was very impressed,” she said.
“Now there won’t be open defecation again. We have a standard toilet.”
Community leaders, including the Chief Imam and Hakimi of Dutsen Garki, were present at the nomadic school ceremony and offered prayers for more interventions.
Also speaking at the event, Jasper Ogbonna, a board member of CCDI, connected the project to global development goals.
“This helps the children concentrate on their education,” he said.
“It’s in line with Agenda 2030. What we are doing at the grassroots will resonate nationally.”
Other dignitaries present included Tunde Ayeni, Senior Pastor of Graceville Christian Centre, and Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, Director of Business Development and Innovation at ActionAid Nigeria, who represented Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria.