Assessing the Impact of National Home-Grown School Feeding Program on Pupils Enrolment, Attendance, and Academic Performance of Some Selected Public Primary School Pupils in Niger State, Nigeria

Kudu Haruna Mohammed; Katuka Yaki; Timothy Nmadu; Usman Musa; Abu Idris

doi:10.58709/niujhu.v10i4.2363

Kudu Haruna Mohammed Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
Katuka Yaki Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
Timothy Nmadu Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
Usman Musa Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
Abu Idris Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58709/niujhu.v10i4.2363

Abstract

Over the years, successive governments at different levels have been directing efforts in the areas of increasing pupil/student enrolment and reducing dropout rates and the provision of infrastructural facilities to aid both learning and teaching but the desired result has not been achieved. In order to compliment the above menace, the Nigerian Government recently revived the Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) termed the National Home-Grown School Meal Program (NHSMP). Social Cognitive theory was used as a theoretical framework to guide this study. This paper adopted quantitative method. The study used a multistage sampling technique including non-probability sampling technique (purposive sampling technique) to select two (2) local government and two schools from the selected local government area in each of the three senatorial districts in the state. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 240 pupils and their parents from the selected schools. Each of the teachers was selected to represent the school and questionnaire administered to them aggregating to (12) head teachers. The instruments for data collection were structured questionnaire based on the research objectives. The study reveals that the School Feeding Programme (SFP) has had a positive impact on pupil enrolment, attendance and academic performance, as perceived and affirmed by the pupils themselves, teachers, and parents. However, it was recommended amongst other that government should ensure that there is an increase in the number and quality of teachers to accommodate the potential increase in enrolment. Additionally, there should be sufficient physical facilities, such as classrooms and other learning spaces, to avoid overcrowding and provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.

Keywords: Home Grown, School Feeding Program, School Enrolment, Academic Performance