Introduction

Our bodies are composed of cells, tissues, organs, and systems, each playing a vital role in overall functionality. Among the many factors that influence our well-being, nutrition stands out as a crucial determinant. This article explores the relationship between nutrition and academic performance in Nigerian schools, highlighting how proper nutrition can either hinder or enhance cognitive development, learning capabilities, and overall academic success.

Refocusing Our Attention on What Really Matters

Nigeria’s youth population is significant, with 42% of the 70% youth demographic being below 15 years of age. At this stage, one of their primary focuses is academic excellence. However, achieving outstanding academic performance goes beyond studying—it requires addressing the fundamental factors that support learning.

Do we assume that excellent academic performance exists in isolation? What about our bodies—do we treat them as gardens to be nurtured and nourished or merely as tools for activity? It is essential to shift our perspective and recognize that “our bodies are our gardens”—a profound statement attributed to William Shakespeare. The quality and quantity of nutrients our bodies receive significantly impact our cognitive function and overall performance.

Fortunately, every individual possesses the ability to think, a faculty that has propelled society forward. From Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity to Marie Curie’s breakthroughs in radioactivity and Leonardo da Vinci’s innovations in art and science, these great minds maximized their cognitive potential. Research confirms that about 20% of the calories we consume daily fuel the brain, demonstrating that nutrition directly influences intellectual capacity.

Can We Do Otherwise?

Can we separate nutrition from academic performance? Is there a direct link between the two?

The Lagos Food Bank Initiative, through its EDUFOOD program, discovered that food insecurity significantly affects school attendance. In Lagos communities such as Agege and Makoko, the initiative has provided meals to students, improving both enrollment and retention. In 2023 alone, EDUFOOD nourished 38,424 children with 67,053 meals, leading to an increase in school enrollment by 1,210 students. This reinforces the idea that food security plays a crucial role in reducing Nigeria’s staggering 10.5 million out-of-school children.

The Link Between Nutrition and Academic Performance

Based on the evidence, nutrition impacts academic performance in the following ways:

1. Nutrients Are Essential for Brain Development

Various nutrients aid brain development by supporting cell production, enhancing cell size and complexity, and facilitating cognitive growth. Since the brain is the center of intellectual activity, a balanced supply of essential nutrients in the right quantities directly influences academic performance.

2. Nutrition Affects Attention Span

A child’s learning experience is not only shaped by external distractions but also by internal factors such as malnutrition. While external distractions can be avoided with self-discipline, internal distractions—such as the effects of poor nutrition—are harder to manage. Consider a vehicle: you can roll up the windows to block external smoke, but what if the smoke is coming from within the vehicle? Similarly, a poorly nourished body struggles to function optimally.

3. School Attendance and Academic Participation

Healthy eating ensures the body functions properly. However, when essential nutrients are lacking, students fail to meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for energy, leading to hunger, fatigue, and disinterest in learning. This can result in irregular school attendance, reducing exposure to vital educational experiences and limiting academic achievement.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The evidence is clear—nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping academic performance. Proper nutrition supports brain development, enhances concentration, and improves school attendance. As individuals, parents, educators, and policymakers, we must take intentional steps to ensure that students receive adequate nutrition for their cognitive and academic growth.

Governments and educational institutions should prioritize school meal programs, while parents must adopt healthier dietary habits for their children. Additionally, awareness campaigns should emphasize the long-term benefits of nutrition in fostering academic excellence.

The future of Nigeria’s youth depends not only on access to education but also on the nutritional foundation that fuels their learning journey. Let us act today to secure a healthier and academically stronger generation.

Article written by Anya Shalom Chukwu.