AN EXAMINATION OF THE DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING THE DELIVERY OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN IDP CAMPS IN ZAMFARA STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are individuals or groups who have been compelled or forced to flee or abandon their homes or habitual places of residence primarily as a result of armed conflict, generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural and man-made disasters. Crucially, these individuals remain within the borders of their own country and have not crossed internationally recognized boundaries (Nsofor, 2015). According to Marion and Maurice (2017), the response to internal displacement in Africa has often been marked by either slow action or complete inaction. Essential services such as shelter, healthcare, food, potable water, and education are frequently in short supply. In Nigeria, the conditions in IDP camps are particularly deplorable, exposing displaced populations to a range of hardships. Many internally displaced persons are forced to defecate in the open due to the absence of proper toilet facilities, while water is often sourced from host communities under unsanitary conditions. Housing infrastructure is severely dilapidated, with many shelters having sagging roofs, no roofs at all, or being constructed from temporary tents. Security is minimal or entirely lacking, and the educational facilities present are grossly inadequate to meet the learning needs of children. In Abuja, the situation is worsened by the apparent indifference of the government toward the welfare of displaced individuals. Adewale (2016) described the condition of a particular camp as suffering from serious security challenges and a continuous threat of disease outbreak. Moreover, the actual state of infrastructure and services within IDP camps does not reflect the financial and material contributions often reported in national media, which include donations and support services. These inconsistencies underscore the urgent need to investigate the real factors impeding the provision of quality educational services to internally displaced persons, particularly within the IDP camps in Zamfara State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 2.5 million children are currently living in IDP camps, where they suffer from a lack of basic human necessities such as proper nutrition, clothing, and adequate shelter. Additionally, in government-managed camps, the number of displaced individuals far exceeds the capacity of available water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities (Rotimi, 2015). Visitors to these camps are often met with scenes of decay: dilapidated buildings, makeshift huts, and tents that serve as living quarters. Many structures lack roofs, and there are no dedicated religious, social, or infrastructural facilities to support the internally displaced population. Crucially, when arrangements are made for sheltering displaced persons, the provision of essential amenities—such as those ensuring security, dignity, and comfort—is often neglected. Similar to other IDP settlements across Nigeria, the Abuja camps also face a severe lack of the necessary resources that could improve the residents' living standards and overall well-being. In Bama/Gwoza camp, for instance, families live in tents that offer no protection against adverse weather. The temporary classrooms for children are poorly equipped, with broken chairs and tables and damaged roofing. Sanitary facilities are highly inadequate, with just two toilets serving the entire camp population, resulting in elevated rates of both mortality and birth. The Piwoye camp in Abuja is another example, where basic services like housing, education, healthcare, and access to clean water are glaringly insufficient despite the camp’s small land area. The displaced residents, having been forced from their ancestral homes, live in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions, with minimal access to healthcare. According to Kuta (2019), conditions at the Karmajiji camp are particularly appalling. The makeshift shelters are covered with cement bags, old sacks, and rusty zinc sheets. Sanitation is also a major issue—there are no proper waste disposal systems, resulting in litter and pollution throughout the camp. Access to water is dependent on vendors, and there are no proper educational facilities for the children living there. Although numerous donor agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been tasked with supporting IDPs, there has been little observable improvement in their overall condition. Many displaced individuals continue to suffer and even die due to delayed access to medical care. They also face persistent problems such as food insecurity, physical hardship, harsh environmental conditions, and inadequate safety. These pressing challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive investigation into the factors hindering the effective provision of educational services for IDPs, particularly those residing in camps located in Zamfara State. 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to examine the Determinants Influencing the Delivery of Educational Services to Internally Displaced Persons in IDP 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 Zamfara State. ii.     Determine the factors affecting the provision of social facilities in IDP camp in Zamfara State. iii.   Determine whether facilities in IDP camps in Zamfara state are adequately managed Zamfara State. iv.Identify the factors affecting the effective management of facilities in IDP camp in Zamfara State. 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 Zamfara State? ii.  What are the factors affecting the provision of social facilities in IDP camp in Zamfara State? iii.      Are  the facilities in IDP camps in Zamfara state adequately managed Zamfara State? iv. What are the factors affecting the effective management of facilities in IDP camp in Zamfara State? 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 Zamfara State. Ha:There is an adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Zamfara State. 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 Determinants Influencing the Delivery of Educational Services to Internally Displaced Persons in IDP Camps in Zamfara State. Hence, the study will ascertain whether there is an adequate provision of social facilities for Internally Displaced Persons in Zamfara State, determine the factors affecting the provision of social facilities in IDP camp in Zamfara State, determine whether facilities in IDP camps in Zamfara state are adequately managed and identify the factors affecting the effective management of facilities in IDP camp in Zamfara. Hence, the study is delimited to selected IDP camps in Zamfara State. 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.