By Grateful Ogunjebe
Children who arrive at school hungry often find it difficult to concentrate or keep up with their peers. Hunger doesn’t just affect the stomach; it slows down the brain, reduces attention span, and increases irritability. A child who misses breakfast may be physically present in class but mentally absent.
In Nigeria, rising food costs mean many children start school on an empty stomach or with poor-quality meals. This reality places them at an educational disadvantage right from the start of the day.
What good nutrition really means
Good nutrition is simply the balance of food and nutrients needed for growth, energy, and mental performance. For children, it ensures not only healthy bodies but also sharp minds capable of learning and problem-solving.
Essential nutrients that matter most include:
- Iron – supports concentration and reduces fatigue
- Iodine – boosts IQ and brain development
- Vitamin A – protects vision and learning capacity
- Omega-3 fatty acids – enhance memory and brain function
Expert views
Dr. Victoria Oke, a doctor in Ogun State, explains that poor nutrition weakens immunity, making children fall sick more often and miss classes. Nutrient deficiencies, she notes, directly lower concentration and IQ. “I see children who are tired and distracted simply because they haven’t eaten well. It’s not laziness. It’s lack of proper nutrition,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of poverty and high food costs, but stressed that affordable meals can still nourish children. “Simple foods like bean porridge, yam with vegetables, or pap with milk go a long way. Nutrition doesn’t have to be expensive,” she advised.
A Lagos-based child psychologist also emphasized the mental link between nutrition and learning. “Nutrition is not just about physical health; it plays a direct role in attention, memory, and behaviour,” she explained. According to her, children who eat balanced meals are more likely to stay focused, remember lessons, and actively participate in class.
She noted that deficiencies in essential nutrients often manifest in the classroom as:
- Shorter attention spans
- Irritability or sudden mood swings
- Reduced memory and learning capacity
- Lower overall academic performance
Nutritionist Mary Boluatife from Ibadan agrees that poor diets in early childhood can have lifelong consequences. “Iron deficiency in the first 1,000 days can affect cognitive health permanently,” she explained. She also observed that many Nigerian children rely too heavily on starchy staples, missing out on essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Her recommendations include:
- Schools should implement nutritious breakfast and lunch programs
- Parents should be encouraged to add eggs, fruits, and vegetables to daily meals
- We must support kitchen gardens, so children have access to fresh produce
Voices from parents and pupils
Parents and pupils themselves reveal how nutrition challenges play out daily. One parent from Itele explained: “It’s good to cook for the children, but you’ll only cook what you can afford. You can only give the kids what you can give them.”
Another parent, Mrs. Dada from Itele, Ogun State, said: “Many parents would love to cook for their children, but financial constraints make it difficult. Most give their kids something small before work, then add snack money. Sadly, many end up buying unsafe food from roadside vendors.”
A child in Ogun State admitted: “I don’t eat in the morning, and before I can eat, it’s almost 11 o’clock. If I don’t eat, I will be weak and I’ll not be able to listen well”. This highlights how hunger directly affects learning, especially during morning lessons.
A headmistress, who requested anonymity, added: “I often see children come to school without breakfast. Some even admit they haven’t eaten until afternoon. Others bring meals that are clearly not nourishing. It all comes down to financial struggles at home.
The effects of malnutrition extend beyond the classroom. Poorly nourished children are more likely to struggle academically and face limited opportunities as adults. “Malnutrition reduces both cognitive and physical development, and that directly impacts future workforce productivity,” Nutritionist Mary warned.
The wider implications include:
- Long-term health problems that burden Nigeria’s healthcare system
- A cycle of poor nutrition and poor education fueling poverty
- Reduced national productivity and economic growth
The way forward
Experts agree that solutions are within reach. School feeding programmes can provide children with balanced meals that boost attendance and learning. “These programmes don’t just feed children, they fuel their ability to learn,” Dr. Victoria said.
Additional measures include:
- Nutrition education for families
- Government subsidies on essential foods
- Greater use of local protein sources like beans, eggs, and groundnuts
- School and community gardens to supply fresh vegetables
Nutrition is more than food. It is the fuel that powers children’s health and learning. As experts and parents agree, a hungry child cannot learn effectively. “If Nigeria wants better education outcomes, then nutrition must become a national priority,” Nutritionist Mary concluded.
Feeding children well today is not just about survival. One must look at it as an investment in tomorrow’s workforce, economy and society.
