Implementation Impact of School Meal Initiatives on Academic Performance in Nigerian Primary Schools: A Longitudinal Analysis

School meal initiatives in Nigeria aim to improve nutrition and attendance among primary school children, with varying degrees of implementation across different regions. A longitudinal study design was employed, collecting data from to , including standardised test scores and attendance records from randomly selected schools across Nigeria's major regions. Findings indicate that in schools with more robust meal programme implementation (75% coverage), students' average academic performance improved by 12.5% compared to schools with lower coverage (40%). The study supports the efficacy of well-implemented school meal programmes in enhancing academic outcomes among Nigerian primary school children. Policy makers should prioritise consistent and comprehensive implementation of school meal initiatives across all regions to maximise educational benefits.