In my journey to understand and address the challenges facing Nigeria’s future, I’ve been struck by the profound impact of food insecurity on child development and education. This issue is not just about hunger, it’s a barrier to the growth, learning, and potential of millions of children in our country. Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life, is projected to affect 33 million Nigerians in 2025, according to a 2024 report by the World Food Programme (WFP). For children, the consequences are even more dire. Malnutrition, a direct result of food insecurity, stunts physical growth, impairs cognitive development, and weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to diseases.

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to age two—are critical for brain development. During this period, proper nutrition is essential for building the foundation of cognitive abilities, motor skills, and emotional regulation. However, when children lack access to adequate food, their development is severely compromised.

The effects of food insecurity on child development are profound.

• Physically, malnutrition during critical growth periods leads to stunting and underweight conditions. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the world.
• Cognitively, nutrient deficiencies impair brain development, affecting memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which can have long-term consequences on a child’s ability to learn and succeed academically.
• Emotionally, chronic hunger and malnutrition can cause behavioral issues, anxiety, and social withdrawal, hindering a child’s positive educational engagement.

The intersection of food insecurity and education also presents several challenges.

• Hunger can deter children from attending school regularly, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limiting opportunities for the next generation.
• Malnourished children often struggle with concentration and energy levels, leading to poorer academic outcomes. The lack of essential nutrients affects their ability to perform tasks that require attention and cognitive engagement.
• The compounded effects of poor health and academic struggles increase the likelihood of students dropping out of school.

To address these challenges, several actionable steps can be taken, such as:

• Expand school feeding programs like the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) to provide at least one nutritious meal daily, keeping children in school and improving learning outcomes.
• Engage local communities to identify vulnerable families and ensure they receive necessary support.
• Collaborate with global organizations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to bring in resources and expertise for addressing childhood malnutrition through fortified foods and improved agricultural practices.
• Prioritize food security by encouraging governments and private sector stakeholders to increase funding for nutrition programs and policies that tackle the root causes of poverty.

The impact of food insecurity on child development and education is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. By working together—governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals—we can create a future where no child goes to bed hungry or misses out on education because of food insecurity.