Assessment of School Feeding Programme Effects on Attention in Kaduna State Nursery Schools

National school feeding programmes are intended to address hunger and support learning readiness, and evaluating their effects on attention among nursery school children in Kaduna State provides local evidence for programme continuation and improvement. This study assessed the effect of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme on attention spans and learning engagement among children aged 3 to 6 years in government nursery schools in Kaduna North, Igabi, and Kajuru Local Government Areas, Kaduna State. A quasi-experimental comparative design was used, comparing attention measures and teacher-rated engagement between 150 children in schools receiving the feeding programme and 150 in schools without the programme. Attention was assessed using a validated Continuous Performance Test adapted for pre-schoolers, and teachers rated engagement daily using the Leuven Involvement Scale. Results showed that feeding programme children demonstrated significantly longer attention spans (mean 14.2 minutes versus 10.8 minutes, p < 0.001) and higher daily engagement ratings. The effect was largest among children from households below the poverty line. Morning lesson periods showed more pronounced benefits than afternoon sessions. The study concludes that school feeding significantly improves attentional capacity and learning engagement among nursery children. Recommendations include expanding programme coverage to all government nursery schools, improving meal nutritional quality, and integrating physical activity breaks to maintain benefits throughout the school day. Keywords: school feeding programme, attention, learning engagement, Kaduna State, nursery schools