ASSESSMENT OF THE NEEDS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACE PERSONS (IDPS) ON HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, A CASE STUDY OF BORNO STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the Needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives: to determine health care needs, educational needs, income generation needs and nutritional needs of the IDPs in the camps. Survey design was used for this study. The target population of the study comprised of 38,833 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from three different IDPs camps in Maiduguri metropolis namely: Bakasi, NYSC and Dalori One IDPs camps were used in the study as at 3rd – 20th June 2017. The sample size of the population was four hundred (400) internally displaced persons. The sample was selected through random sampling technique. Sixteen (16) item questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaires were given to the researcher’s and experts in the field of adult education for validation. The instrument was pre-tested on 30 internationally displaced persons (IDPs) who were not part of the population; they have similar characteristics with the target population. The scores obtained were correlated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and the instrument was validated and was reliable. Data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentage and standard deviation. The findings of the study showed that the IDPs need health care delivery services in the area of provision of drugs, portable water, treated mosquito nets and qualified doctors and nurses. On the educational need of the IDPs, findings showed that the IDPs need schools for their children; awareness on sex education, adequate and qualified educational instructors in the IDPs camps. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were proffered: Government, Non-Governmental Agencies, philanthropists and health related interventions to deal with the situation at both national and international level should look into the health care needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State. The study also recommends the provision of trained instructors; learning centres for both formal and informal education; erect schools equipped with basic education facilities that will enhance the educational need of the IDPs in the IDP camps.