By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continued from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS— Teach students, parents about balanced diets, healthy choices.
Micronutrient supplementation: Address deficiencies (iron, iodine, vitamins) through programs.
Collaborate with stakeholders: Engage government, NGOs, communities for sustainable nutrition initiatives.
Pay critical attention to a balanced diet.
Promote local food utilisation: Encourage schools to use local, nutritious foods in meals.
Monitor students‘ nutritional status: Regular check-ups, BMI tracking in schools.
Address food insecurity: Target support to vulnerable students, families.
Involve parents, communities: Engage them in nutrition planning, implementation.
Train school staff: Teachers, cooks on nutrition, healthy meal prep.
Link with health services: Integrate nutrition support with school health programs.
Importance/benefits of good nutritional status among students
Improved cognitive function: Better concentration, memory
Better academic performance: Enhanced learning, productivity
Healthy growth: Physical, mental development
Stronger immune system: Reduced illness, absenteeism
Better nutrition supports overall health
Reduces risk of chronic diseases
Supports mental health, well-being
Enhances energy, physical performance
Supports healthy weight management
Promotes lifelong healthy habits.
Preventing nutritional deficiency among students
Diverse diet: Include nutrient-rich foods
Iron, iodine, vitamin D supplements: If necessary, consult a healthcare pro
Regular health check-ups: Monitor growth, nutrition status
Nutrition education: Teach kids about healthy eating
Fortified foods (e.g., iodized salt)
Address food insecurity, poverty
Promote breastfeeding, healthy weaning
Monitor growth, development
Address micronutrient deficiencies
Collaborate with healthcare providers.
Management and way forward to enhance good nutritional status among Students
School meal programs: Implement healthy meal options
Nutrition counseling: Provide resources, guidance
Community involvement: Engage parents, local health workers
Government initiatives: Support nutrition policies, programs
Integrate nutrition education in schools
Train teachers, health workers on nutrition
Involve parents in nutrition planning
Address food safety, hygiene in the community
Monitor, evaluate nutrition programs
Collaborate with NGOs, International Organizations.
References
Adebayo, R. B., & Ogunwale, A. (2017). Nutrition and academic performance in Nigerian students. Journal of Nutrition and Health, 21(1), 1-10.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) & United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2017). 2016-2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). Abuja, Nigeria: NBS.
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). (2018). Nutrition and health survey report.
Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education. (2020). School feeding program guidelines.
Oguntona, C. R. B., & Oguntona, C. E. (2017). Nutrition and cognitive development in Nigerian children. Nigerian Journal of Nutritional Sciences, 38(1), 1-10.
For questions and medical consultations, contact: Dr Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
