Education
WaterAid hands over solar-powered WASH facilities to Ikorodu schools – EnviroNews
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WaterAid Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, handed over newly constructed Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to Maya Junior and Senior Community Grammar Schools in Lagos.
The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Ms. Evelyn Mere, handed over the facilities at Maya school compound in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
She said the facilities, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, would improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Mere said the facilities comprised a 20,000-litre solar-powered water facility, gender-friendly toilets, group handwashing facilities and drinking water points for students and staff.
She said the intervention would provide climate-resilient and sustainable WASH services to about 2,500 students and staff while promoting better health and a conducive learning environment.
According to her, the facilities would also promote dignity for the girl-child by addressing menstruation-related challenges that could contribute to absenteeism and affect access to quality education.
Mere described the handover as a key milestone in WaterAid’s commitment to ensuring access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
She appreciated the church for its sustained partnership and urged government agencies, Parents’ Forum, school principals, community members and Ikorodu North LCDA to take collective ownership of the facilities.
She also advised school management to prioritise regular maintenance and use available school funds, alongside modest contributions through the Parents’ Forum, to address minor repairs promptly.
“This will ensure that minor issues are addressed promptly and that the facilities remain functional for students and staff,” she said.
In his remark, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, represented by the Director-General, Education Quality Assurance, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, urged stakeholders to emulate the gesture.
He also urged them to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities.
“I urge community leaders to take ownership and secure the facilities against any vandals,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr. Sunday Oyedeji, urged the school and community to ensure proper maintenance and responsible use.
Oyedeji said the intervention extended beyond the schools, as members of the wider community had also been trained to sustain hygiene practices through behavioural change programmes.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness. While this may be a simple saying, it reminds us of the importance of cleanliness, good hygiene, and healthy environments,” he said.
He said the church believed in the dignity of every human being and promoted love, service, compassion and selflessness through humanitarian interventions funded by members’ donations.
“As we commission this facility today, I urge everyone, especially the school management, staff, students and members of the community, to take good care of this facility,” he said.
He urged them to ensure that the facilities were properly maintained and used responsibly.
Oyedeji expressed hope for further collaboration to improve education in Ikorodu North, saying, “We can give you water, water gives life.
“Education will empower our children beyond the world of this country.”
Earlier, Mr. Mahmud Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, represented by Temitope Salu, described the facility as a significant step towards grassroots resilience.
He said the project would also contribute to creating a conducive learning environment.
Adegbite said the solar-powered borehole, rehabilitated toilets and handwashing stations represented more than physical infrastructure.
He described them as meaningful investments in students’ and teachers’ health, wellbeing, learning and dignity.
The Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Ameen Apanisile, appreciated WaterAid, the church, Lagos State Government and other stakeholders for supporting the project.
Apanisile noted that partners had been working in the community since 2022.
He said the LCDA had implemented more than 32 projects and adopted improved water solutions, including solar facilities, filters and pumps.
The traditional ruler, Alade Olukoga, appreciated all stakeholders who contributed to the project and appealed to the school principals to maintain the facilities for long-term benefit.
He also urged them to ensure the facilities continued to serve the students and the wider community.
In her response, Mrs. Folashade Ojo, Principal, Maya Senior Secondary School, commended WaterAid, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lagos Ministries and other stakeholders for making the project a success.
She promised to ensure that the facilities were maintained and appealed for renovation of science laboratories, construction of more buildings and provision of solar power to support school operations.
By Adepote Arowojobe
