McPherson University Public Health Department Conducts Hygiene Outreach at Anglican Primary School in Seriki Sotayo

The Department of Public Health, McPherson University, has reinforced its community health engagement drive with a hygiene education outreach held at Anglican Primary School, Seriki Sotayo, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and healthy living among pupils.

The programme was led by the Acting Head of Department, Dr Abosede Obadina, alongside Dr Josiah Odu, with both academic staff and students of the department participating in the initiative.

The outreach opened with a personal hygiene lecture delivered by Adjokatse Praise, who educated the pupils on the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent infections and support overall well-being. The session was interactive and included practical demonstrations to encourage behavioural change among the pupils.

Environmental hygiene was addressed by Daramola Temiladeoluwa, who explained the concept of the environment, identified its various forms, and outlined practical steps for maintaining cleanliness in surrounding spaces.

Food hygiene education followed, delivered by Airebamen Oluwatobiloba Emmanuel. The session emphasised safe food handling practices, including washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, drinking clean water, covering food properly, eating well-cooked meals, and maintaining clean utensils.

A dedicated segment on hand hygiene was also conducted. Afolabi Fathia highlighted the importance of proper handwashing and identified key moments for washing hands, including before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, after outdoor play, and after contact with animals.

Sanni Grace demonstrated basic handwashing techniques, while Akinpelu Esther and Nwosu Faith led a practical demonstration of the seven recommended steps for effective handwashing, reinforcing proper hygiene standards through hands-on learning.

As part of the intervention package, the department donated two Veronica buckets, liquid soap, and writing materials to support hygiene practices and enhance learning outcomes at the school. Additionally, a handwashing instructional banner designed by Eko Simon was presented to further reinforce correct hygiene procedures.

Further sensitisation was provided by Chidueme Abundance and Adebanjo Teniola, who explained the health benefits of regular handwashing, including the prevention of infectious diseases, improved hygiene standards, and reduced school absenteeism.

The programme concluded with a handwashing jingle performed by Crown Celestina and Negbenosa Benita, which served as a practical and memorable reinforcement of the hygiene message delivered during the outreach.

The initiative underscores McPherson University’s commitment to community engagement, preventive healthcare, and practical health education, extending learning beyond the classroom into direct impact within surrounding communities.