Nigerian University Partners with UNICEF to End Open Defecation

Students at the University of Calabar marched across their campus this week with a message that could transform health outcomes for thousands: open defecation stops now.

The Nigerian university partnered with UNICEF to launch a campus-wide campaign addressing a health crisis that had become normalized despite its dangers. Open defecation spreads disease, contaminates water sources, and creates unsafe living conditions for everyone on campus.

Dean of Students Affairs Offiong Mensah acknowledged the problem stemmed from two sources: broken or insufficient toilet facilities and habits some students brought from home. The university isn't just raising awareness. It's taking action.

Vice Chancellor administrators are replacing and repairing toilets across campus right now. Maintenance crews are evacuating filled septic tanks and unblocking existing facilities to make them usable again.

The campaign follows a student-driven model that UNICEF has refined through its Clean Campus Programme. Young people lead the awareness efforts because peer-to-peer messaging creates lasting behavioral change.

The Ripple Effect

UNICEF team member Dumbari Life explained that UniCal was chosen because of a successful three-year partnership that has already delivered results through previous health and youth programs. The next phase involves students conducting facility audits to identify exactly how many toilets work and where new ones are needed most.

This approach is already working at 10 other Nigerian universities. Each campus evaluates its infrastructure gaps, and UNICEF provides targeted support where it matters most.

Students' Union Government President Emmanuel Obo called on his peers to become ambassadors for the campaign. Business Director Markson Aniedi-Abasi emphasized that new toilets only work if students commit to using and maintaining them properly.

The campaign includes a challenge component designed to sustain momentum after the initial rally excitement fades. Students will compete to achieve and maintain open defecation-free zones across hostels and academic areas.

University management has already invested significant resources into making hostels more comfortable and increasing toilet availability. The student-led advocacy ensures those improvements get used correctly and maintained over time.

When universities normalize proper sanitation, students carry those standards into their communities, creating health benefits that reach far beyond campus boundaries.