By Joy Onu
Abuja, January 12, 2026 – The Children and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF Nigeria) yesterday officially commissioned a renovated toilet facility at Junior Secondary School, Piwoye, Airport Road, Abuja, as part of its Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Project. The ceremony drew students, school staff, and community representatives.
According to Olatosimi Kolawole, CYPF’s National Program Coordinator, the MHM Project is designed to improve menstrual health, promote dignity, and support school retention for adolescent girls in underserved communities. The initiative addresses challenges such as inadequate sanitation, poor menstrual hygiene knowledge, stigma, and absenteeism, while also providing education and awareness for students and teachers.
The renovation was led and organized by CYPF, an organization long dedicated to the girl child’s well-being. Kolawole explained, “The girl child has been neglected for too long. The future of any nation lies in the brain, mind, and heart of the girl child. While we also teach the boy child how to behave, the girl child needs more investment and attention.”
He said the wash facility had been abandoned and unsafe before the renovation. “With the support of the school principal’s coordination and understanding, our team cleared surrounding bushes, installed an incinerator for sanitary waste, and ensured the facility is now safe, clean, and welcoming for students,” Kolawole said.
Kolawole also highlighted the school’s pad bank, which provides sanitary pads to girls who may need them unexpectedly. “Menstrual hygiene support should be continuous, not limited to one day a year thing. Today, we are also restocking the pad bank to ensure the girls have access to supplies whenever needed,” he added.
Asked about government support, Kolawole stressed the need for funding and policy implementation. “The federal government should invest as the wash facilities, classrooms, and programs that encourage and protect the girl child,” he said.
Project Manager Gladys Oche emphasized the facility’s impact on school attendance and girls’ dignity. “Most girls face challenges managing their periods, especially in public spaces without proper facilities. This renovated toilet ensures they can stay in school and manage themselves safely,” she said.
The Head Girl, Ndako Okolo, and Sanitation Prefect, Nafisa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to CYPF. Nafisa said, “We are very happy and excited. This facility and the sanitary pads will help us immensely.”
The School Principal, Pauline Ngozi Nwagogo described the facility as “a significant improvement for our school,” while PTA PRO Peter Chukwunta commended CYPF for supporting the girl child and easing parental concerns.
Kolawole further explained the involvement of Mundo Cooperante, a European funder supporting girls’ rights initiatives. “Before Mundo, we already had pad banks in schools. With their support, we were able to scale up and provide proper wash facilities for girls, which improves attendance and reduces the stress associated with menstruation.”
CYPF plans to replicate the initiative in three more public schools in the FCT, expanding access to menstrual hygiene facilities, education, and safe learning environments for girls.
The commissioning concluded with the sanitary prefect cutting the ribbon, marking the official opening of the renovated toilet facility. CYPF’s initiative underscores its commitment to girl-centered, child-friendly learning environments, promoting dignity and empowerment for adolescent girls.
