A CRITICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN IDPS CAMPS IN ZAMFARA STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) refer to individuals or collectives who have been compelled or coerced to evacuate or abandon their residences or customary dwelling locations, primarily due to the repercussions of armed conflict, instances of widespread violence, infringements upon human rights, or occurrences of natural or anthropogenic calamities. It is important to note that these individuals have not traversed an internationally acknowledged national boundary (Nsofor, 2015). Marion and Maurice (2017) assert that the reaction to instances of internal relocation in Africa has often shown a sluggish or absent nature. The availability of fundamental necessities, including housing, healthcare services, sustenance, potable water, and educational infrastructure, is often limited. The standard of living in Nigerian IDP camps is lamentable, subjecting the displaced individuals to various hardships. A significant number of IDPs resort to open defecation due to inadequate toilet facilities, while they rely on host communities for water sources. The accommodations are in a state of disrepair, characterised by sagging roofs, complete absence of roofs in some cases, and temporary tent structures. Security measures are nearly non-existent, and the educational facilities are insufficient to provide an optimal learning environment for students. The circumstances in the camps located in Abuja are further worse by the lacklustre attitude of the government towards the plight of the displaced individuals. In his description of a camp, Adewale (2016) characterises the camp as having a very unfavourable security condition and a persistent risk of an epidemic breakout. Nevertheless, the condition of facilities inside the displaced people camps contradicts the purported contributions that have been publicised in the national newspapers, including monetary gifts and services. Therefore, the researcher sought to examine  Challenges in the Provision and Management of Facilities in Selected Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Abuja.

1.2 Statement of the problem

According to the United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there is an approximate population of 2.5 million children residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps who experience challenges related to the absence of fundamental human necessities, including adequate nutrition, clothing, and shelter. Furthermore, within the IDP camps managed by the government, the number of displaced individuals surpasses the available resources for water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (Rotimi, 2015). Upon arrival at the camps, one is immediately greeted with a landscape characterised by outdated and obsolete structures, makeshift dwellings, and tents serving as residences. The absence of roofs on buildings, the lack of dedicated religious structures, and the absence of social and infrastructural amenities for the internally displaced individuals further accentuate the challenging conditions experienced inside these camps. The need of providing critical amenities that ensure the safety, protection, and comfort of displaced people is sometimes overlooked while making arrangements for their housing. Similar to other displaced people camps in Nigeria, the IDP camps in Abuja exhibit a deficiency in essential amenities that are crucial for enhancing productivity and ensuring comfort in the daily lives of the inhabitants. In the Bama/Gwoza Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, the residing families are accommodated in tents that provide inadequate protection against inclement weather conditions. The temporary classrooms designated for primary school students are characterised by dilapidated furniture, such as broken chairs and tables, and exhibit structural deficiencies in their roofs. Furthermore, the sanitary facilities inside the camp are severely limited, with only two toilets available to cater to the whole population, resulting in a high mortality and natality rate. The Piwoye IDP camp, situated in Piwoye village, Abuja, has a deficiency in fundamental amenities like as housing, education, healthcare services, and access to clean water, despite its limited land area. The individuals who have been displaced from their original villages have a lack of access to clean water and reside in substandard living conditions, while also facing inadequate healthcare services. Based to Kuta's (2019) findings, the Karmajiji IDP camp exhibits substandard living conditions. The available lodgings consist of huts covered with bags, cement sacks, and roasted zincs. Furthermore, the bathroom facilities are in a state of disrepair, and the absence of designated waste sites has resulted in garbage being scattered across the camp. The individuals who have been relocated continue to rely on water sellers as their primary supply of water, while lacking access to educational facilities for the pupils. There are a multitude of donor agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have been entrusted with the responsibility of providing aid to those who have been displaced. However, it is evident that the situation of these individuals has not seen significant improvement so far. A significant number of individuals who have been displaced have experienced loss of life due to a delayed response to their healthcare needs. Additionally, many of these individuals continue to face challenges such as food shortages, physical discomfort, adverse weather conditions, and a lack of safety. Hence, the study examine the factors affecting the provision of educational services for internally displaced persons in IDPs camps in Zamfara State.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to examine the factors affecting the provision of educational services for internally displaced persons in IDPs camps in Zamfara State. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.          Ascertain whether there is an adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja.

ii.        Determine the factors affecting the provision of social facilities in IDP camp in Abuja.

iii.      Determine whether facilities in IDP camps in Zamfara state are adequately managed Abuja.

iv.      Identify the factors affecting the effective management of facilities in IDP camp in Abuja.

1.4       Research questions

The study will be guided by the following questions;

i.          Is  there an adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja?

ii.        What are the factors affecting the provision of social facilities in IDP camp in Abuja?

iii.      Are  the facilities in IDP camps in Zamfara state adequately managed Abuja?

iv.      What are the factors affecting the effective management of facilities in IDP camp in Abuja?

1.5       Research Hypotheses

The hypotheses have been formulated for the study:

H0:  There is no adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja.

Ha:There is an adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study is significant to agencies responsible for providing and managing facilities for internally displaced persons as they will be exposed to the various challenges these persons go through in navigating and having a comfortable stay in  their new found environment.

The study is significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the factors affecting the provision of educational services for internally displaced persons in IDPs camps in Zamfara State. Hence, the study will ascertain whether there is an adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja, determine the factors affecting the provision of social facilities in IDP camp in Abuja, determine whether facilities in IDP camps in Zamfara state are adequately managed Abuja and identify the factors affecting the effective management of facilities in IDP camp in Abuja. Hence, the study is delimited to selected IDP camps in Abuja.

1.8       Limitations of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9       Definition of terms

IDP: internally displaced persons

Provsion: the action of providing or supplying something for use.

Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.

Facilities:  a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose.

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