Water Sanitation Projects and School Attendance Among Urban Underprivileged Children in Lagos, Nigeria: A Comparative Assessment

Water sanitation projects in urban areas often aim to improve living conditions and health outcomes among underprivileged populations. In Lagos, Nigeria, such initiatives have been implemented but their impact on school attendance remains unclear. The study employs qualitative and quantitative methods to assess pre- and post-project data from randomly selected schools within two geographically defined regions. Data collection includes surveys, interviews with parents/guardians, and administrative school records analysis. A notable trend emerged where the project area showed a statistically significant increase in average daily school attendance by 15% compared to control areas, highlighting potential benefits of improved sanitation infrastructure on educational participation. The findings suggest that water sanitation projects can positively influence school attendance among underprivileged urban children. Future research should explore broader contextual factors and long-term sustainability impacts. Policy makers are encouraged to integrate water sanitation measures into comprehensive development plans, alongside other socio-economic interventions to enhance educational outcomes in underserved communities.