Children under the Child Rights Advocacy Club in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have raised concerns over worsening environmental conditions, warning that climate-related challenges are endangering their safety and education.
The pupils made their demands known during an advocacy visit to the Mashi council chairman and the district head on Sunday, urging authorities to take swift action.
The event, supported by Save the Children International through the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project, provided a platform for the children to highlight the impact of environmental degradation on their daily lives.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the young advocates said they represented many children across the area facing similar challenges, stressing that unsafe school environments were affecting their health, learning, and overall well-being.
They noted that climate change and poor environmental practices had made schools increasingly hazardous and unconducive for education.
Among their demands, A’isha Mutaka called for access to safe and reliable water sources in schools, especially during flooding, to protect students’ health.
The children also appealed for clean and properly maintained toilet facilities with hand-washing points to curb open defecation and prevent the spread of diseases.
Another participant, Halimatu Yusuf, urged authorities to improve waste management systems and rehabilitate drainage infrastructure to reduce flooding and blocked waterways around schools.
Salamatu Mohammed advocated for intensified tree-planting campaigns and stricter enforcement against deforestation, noting that greener school environments would help reduce heat and climate risks.
Also speaking, Abdulhamid Surajo called for improved school security through fencing and deployment of guards, as well as measures to prevent grazing on school premises and support school gardens.
He identified some of the most affected schools as Government Pilot Secondary School Majigiri, Afadu Primary School, and Doguru Primary and Secondary Schools.
Responding, the council chairman, Salisu Kallah, represented by his deputy, Jamilu Yusuf, assured the children that steps would be taken to address their concerns.
He pledged to review existing policies against illegal tree felling and work towards creating safer learning environments.
The district head of Mashi, Kabir Aminu, also called for the establishment of school-based environmental clubs and stronger community participation to tackle environmental degradation.
The children further used drama and artistic displays during the visit to highlight issues of gender inequality and environmental challenges affecting their communities.