Assessment of Waste Management Among Private and Public Schools in Sokoto: A Case Study of Illela Local Government

Abstract

Waste mismanagement is a threatening issue globally. Schools produce large amount of waste due to human activities, thus, if poor handled it the condition will pose risks to learners and staff and affect learning. The objective of this study was to assess waste management among schools in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. A survey study design using visual observation and inspection among 36 schools in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State, was carried out. The data collected were managed using descriptive statistics (p<0.05). The waste disposal methods employed by private and public schools in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria were found. The findings reveal: - Open dumping is the most prevalent method (50.0%)- Open burning ranks second (33.3%) - Landfilling is the least utilized method (16.7%). The distribution of waste types generated by schools in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria reveals: - Plastics account for the largest share (38.9%); Human faeces comprise a significant portion (25.0%); Papers make up nearly one-fifth (19.4%); Organic waste constitutes a smaller fraction (11.1%); and Metals represent the smallest proportion (5.6%). School sanitation levels, indicating: (41.7%) Mixed improved/unimproved toilets; 33.3% Improved toilets; 5.0% Open defecation; and 22.2% Exclusive improved toilets. This shows concerns about waste management at schools, with a potential tendency to affect the health of children and staff, and consequently deteriorate learning activities and outcomes. All stakeholders should put hands on deck to minimize effects of waste mismanagement at schools in order to save children, staff, and learning.