UNICAL, UNICEF Partner To Institutionalise Open Defecation-free Standards
Bassey BASSEY
The University of Calabar and UNICEF have launched a campus-wide rally to end open defecation and institutionalise standards
The campaign, led by students and backed by UNICEF’s Clean Campus Programme, aims to change behaviour and institutionalise open defecation-free standards at UNICAL. It is the first phase of a broader initiative running across 11 universities in Nigeria.
It is also aimed at curbing health risks and poor sanitation practices among students.
Dean of Students Prof. Offiong Mensah, said open defecation has become a trending practice on campus despite its health dangers.
“It affects the health of students and the environment they live in. The university does not find this a healthy practice. That is why we want to raise awareness and let them know the dangers,” Mensah said during the rally.
Acknowledging that some students resort to open defecation due to poor toilet facilities and, in some cases, background habits., he said the current Vice Chancellor has begun replacing and repairing toilets across campus, he added.
“The director was asked to evacuate all septic tanks that were filled and unblock toilets. The work is ongoing. The university is making every effort to ensure toilets are accessible and the practice is put to an end,” Mensah said.
UNICEF Young People Action Team member, Dumbari Life, said the programme will be student-driven, with advocacy and a challenge component to sustain engagement.
“This is just the first phase where we sensitize students. Moving forward, students will engage in a challenge. We will evaluate how many toilets are available and functioning, and how many UNICEF can support so students do not have to go to the bush or defecate in the lawn,” Life said.
He explained that UNICAL was selected due to a three-year partnership with UNICEF on projects ranging from the Unilever Campus Programme to the Yoma Programme. The goal is to make UNICAL clean, safe, and healthy for learning.
Speaking, Emmanuel Obo, the Students Union Government President in the University of Calabar, Emmanuel Obo, said some students resort to open defecation due to poor toilet facilities and habits carried over from home.
The current Vice Chancellor, he explained has begun replacing and repairing toilets across campus to address this.
Business Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Prof. A. Maxey, said the rally must translate into behavior change and proper use of facilities.
“With this advocacy, students should be able to use the toilet and clean it properly. This is part of the education the rally is putting out. Management has done a lot to make hostels comfortable and toilets available,” Maxey said.
He urged students to stop defecating outside so the environment remains clean and safe for all occupants.
UNICEF said the programme is running in 10 other universities alongside UNICAL, with a focus on evaluation and scaling support where infrastructure gaps remain.
The university called on students to act as ambassadors of the campaign and maintain sanitation standards across hostels and lecture areas.
