Malnutrition and stunting impair children's cognitive development

Nutritionists warn that severe malnutrition leading to stunting poses risks far beyond restricted physical growth, specifically impacting cognitive functions such as brain development, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These impairments can lead to poorer academic outcomes, including a higher likelihood of repeating grades.

According to the World Health Organization, stunting is characterized by impaired growth resulting from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. The United Nations Children’s Fund emphasizes that malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days—from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday—can cause lasting damage to the developing brain.

Research indicates that stunted children are 1.59 times more likely to repeat a grade than non-stunted children. Furthermore, better height-for-age metrics are linked to earlier school enrollment and higher levels of education. In Nigeria, recent data shows that 40 per cent of children under five are stunted, a trend linked to factors such as household poverty and food availability.