In a bid to promote hygiene and reduce disease transmission in schools, Dettol and its partner, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), have inducted 42 students from Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State as ambassadors of its Hygiene Quest programme.

The induction, held in Ilorin, marked a significant milestone in efforts to instill a lifelong culture of hygiene among school children. Speaking at the event, WBFA Director of Programming, Mr Williams Awotunde, represented by the foundation’s National Programmes Manager, Mr Kehinde Akinsola, said the initiative was designed to go beyond the classroom, creating future leaders in hygiene awareness.

“Each of you is now a torchbearer,” Awotunde told the newly inducted students. “You’re not just participants in a programme—you are leaders in your schools and communities. This journey will place you at the forefront of behavioural change.”

He explained that the Hygiene Quest Clubs, to be led by the inducted students, are part of a long-term strategy to embed hygiene education into everyday school life. “You will lead handwashing demonstrations, hygiene campaigns and other WASH activities, even after this workshop is over,” he added.

The WBFA, with support from Reckitt (producers of Dettol), aims to create a sustainable framework where hygiene education becomes peer-driven, ensuring its continuity in schools even after external interventions have ended.

Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, represented by Mr Yisa Joshua, applauded the programme, saying it has the potential to reduce illness-related absenteeism and boost academic performance.

“This initiative is not only timely but necessary. We are confident that with the growing number of inducted students across the state, the message of proper hygiene will echo throughout our schools,” he said.

Also lending her voice, Mrs Salmah Ahmed, Assistant Director at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), urged students to take their new role seriously. “The oath you have taken carries responsibility. Let your voice be the reason another child remembers to wash their hands,” she said.

Mrs Ramat Nnageri, who represented the Education Secretary of Asa Local Government, encouraged students to use the opportunity to develop habits that improve their personal well-being and that of their peers.

A highlight of the event was a spelling bee competition, where winners from both the primary and secondary school categories qualified to compete at the state level.

In recognition of their commitment to hygiene promotion, 21 schools were each presented with handwashing stations to support the newly established Hygiene Quest Clubs.