Nutritional Intervention and Cognitive Performance Among Primary School Children in Kebbi State: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Undernutrition in early childhood impairs cognitive development and academic performance, with long-term consequences for human capital development in Nigeria. School-based nutritional interventions offer a targeted platform for addressing this challenge. This study evaluated the effect of a structured nutritional intervention on the cognitive performance of primary school children in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, through a randomised controlled trial. Two hundred and ten children aged seven to ten years were randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving daily micronutrient-fortified meals and a control group receiving standard school meals. Cognitive performance was assessed using validated instruments adapted to the local context, covering attention, memory, and executive function, administered at baseline and at the end of a twelve-week intervention period. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and haemoglobin assessment. Data analysis involved ANCOVA controlling for baseline performance, age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Results showed significant improvements in attention and short-term memory scores among intervention group children at endline, compared to controls. Improvements were most pronounced in anaemic and stunted children. No significant differences were observed for executive function. The study recommends integration of fortified school meals into Kebbi State's education delivery framework as an evidence-based strategy for improving both nutrition and academic outcomes. Keywords: nutritional intervention, cognitive performance, school children, Kebbi State, randomised controlled trial