Nutritional Status and Academic Performance of Primary School Pupils in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

The relationship between nutritional status and learning outcomes in school-age children has been well documented, yet evidence from educationally disadvantaged states in Nigeria remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between nutritional status and academic performance among pupils aged 7 to 14 years in public primary schools in Sokoto South and Wamakko local government areas of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Sokoto State records high rates of childhood malnutrition and low school enrolment, creating a dual educational and nutritional challenge. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with 310 pupils selected through stratified random sampling. Nutritional status was determined through anthropometric assessment using height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index-for-age z-scores referenced against WHO standards. Academic performance was measured using end-of-term scores in core subjects including mathematics, English language, and quantitative reasoning, obtained from school records with appropriate permissions. Dietary intake data were collected using a modified 24-hour recall administered to pupils with parental guidance. The relationship between nutritional indicators and academic scores was analysed using multiple linear regression. Preliminary expectations suggest significant correlations between stunting and poor academic scores, with dietary diversity and school feeding participation as mediating variables. Keywords: nutritional status, academic performance, school children, Sokoto State, stunting.