EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF INADEQUATE NUTRITION ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ATISBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study According to the EFA Global Monitoring Report by UNESCO (2022), over one-quarter of children under the age of fifteen in sub-Saharan Africa are underweight, primarily due to inadequate diets and malnutrition. This nutritional deficiency not only increases their vulnerability to illness but also diminishes their ability to concentrate and perform well in school. Malnutrition is widely recognized as a chronic condition that results from either an excessive or insufficient intake of essential macro or micronutrients, failing to meet the physiological and pathological demands of the individual (Ecker & Nene, 2020). An inadequate diet, a subset of malnutrition, is a potentially serious condition that occurs when the body lacks sufficient nutrients required for normal functioning. Poor nutrition may stem from insufficient food intake or an imbalanced diet deficient in key nutrients (Chinyoka & Naidu, 2019). Students who fail to consume the daily recommended levels of vital nutrients—such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin C—may struggle to achieve optimal academic performance (Nabarro et al., 2017). Connell (2016) discovered that only 14% of children born at a normal weight exhibited academic outcomes comparable to those born at a low birth weight, noting that 34% of the latter group needed to repeat grades or were placed in special education programs. Similarly, Duncan et al. (2018) observed that low birth weight, often linked to inadequate nutrition, was a contributing factor to increased grade repetition among students. These findings highlight the importance of educating families on how nutritional deficiencies can hinder cognitive performance, underscoring the critical role of proper nutrition in students’ academic achievement. Shrestha and Pathak (2021), along with Brauw et al. (2017), previously asserted that underfeeding in children causes irreversible brain damage, which impairs cognitive development. The first three years of a child’s life are particularly crucial, as the brain undergoes rapid growth involving neuron formation, synaptogenesis, axonal and dendritic development, and synaptic pruning—each stage building upon the previous one (Orazem et al., 2017). Interruptions to this developmental process, whether through trauma, stress, or nutrient deficiencies, can have long-lasting effects not only on the brain’s structure but also on a child’s emotional development and academic performance. Consequently, extensive research has shown that childhood malnutrition can adversely affect intellectual development in adulthood (Lacour & Tissington, 2019). Based on the above evidence, it becomes imperative that children of all ages are shielded from malnutrition due to its detrimental effects on both their educational progress and overall development. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the effect of inadequate diet on the academic performance of secondary school students in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite strong commitments to improving nutrition under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other related programs, many developing nations—including Nigeria—continue to struggle in meeting their nutritional targets. This shortfall persists despite noticeable variations in nutritional progress among different countries (Stevens et al., 2021). In the specific context of Atisbo Local Government Area in Oyo State, students’ academic performance has shown minimal improvement over the past few years. This stagnation contrasts sharply with the significant progress observed in other regions. Concerned by this trend, the researcher initiated this study to identify the underlying causes of dietary inadequacies in the region and explore how these deficiencies may be affecting students’ academic outcomes. This investigation is especially important given the potential impact of poor nutrition on educational attainment. By identifying these root causes, the study aims to propose effective interventions to reverse the declining educational standards in the area. Accordingly, this research will examine the effect of inadequate diet on the academic performance of secondary school students in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the goal of offering practical solutions to address the challenges posed by poor nutrition. 1.3 Purpose of the study The general purpose of the study is to the Impact of Inadequate Nutrition on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Atisbo Local Government Area, Oyo State. The specific objectives is as follows i.To asses the factors that contribute to the inadequate diet of secondary school students.  ii.2 How does the adequate diet contribute to the academic performance of secondary school students.  iii.To established effects of inadequate diet on the academic performance of secondary school students. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study i.What are the factors that contribute to the inadequate diet of secondary school students ? ii.How does the adequate diet contribute to the academic performance of secondary school students ?  iii.What is the effects of inadequate diet on the academic performance of secondary school students ? 1.5 Reseaech hypotheses H0: Inadequate diet does not have an effect on students academic performance Ha:Inadequate diet does have an effect on students academic performance 1.6 Scope of the study and delimitation This study will asses the Impact of Inadequate Nutrition on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Atisbo Local Government Area, Oyo State. The study will also find out how does the adequate diet contribute to the academic performance of secondary school students.  Lastly, the study will established effects of inadequate diet on the academic performance of secondary school students. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced. The study will be delimited to Atisbo local government area Oyo State. 1.7 Significance Of The Study The study will be significant to the school management as it will expose them to the need of including the study of nutrition and diet to academic calender, it will also be of benefit to students as it will expose them to the importance of having the right diet in other to perform excellently in their studies. The study will be significant to the academic community community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.8 Limitation of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.9 Definition Of Terms Inadequate diet: an inadequate supply of essential nutrients (as vitamins and minerals) in the diet resulting in malnutrition or disease. Academic performance: the measurement of student achievement across various academic subjects