EVALUATION OF CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, HYGIENE PRACTICES IN THE POST COVID 19 ERA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL IN CROSS RIVER STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the learning environment and hygiene practices within the framework of the National School Health program in Cross River State primary schools, Nigeria,in the Post COVID- 19 era, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 4.The study was guided by two research questions derived from the objective of the Nationl school Health Programme.Employing a descriptive design , the population of the study consist of 1,064 public primary schools in Cross River State, a multistage sampling approach ( stratified and random sampling techniques ) was also employed with a sample of 633 schools selected for the study.The primary data collection instrument was the school Health Program Assessment scale (SHPAS), an adapted checklist from the guidelines of the programme design to access key component of the national school health program. The instrument was administered in the sampled schools with the help of the resarch assistants and school administrators guiding through the process .Data were obtained and analysed using simple percentages.The data obtained revealed a less percentage in the availiability of desk for every member of the classroom in the schools, the result also showed lack of water supply and the location of water source 30 metres away from toilet was not adhered to by the schools, however positive results as in the percentage on, availability of ventilation and washing hand basins while the percentage for teacher to pupil ratio was low indicating the non adherence to 1;35 ratio as stipupulated in the guidelines . Recommendations were made based on the findings accordingly.