Title: Implementation of the Universal Basic Education Home-grown School Feeding Programme for Lower Basic Learners' Enrolment, Attendance and Retention in Lagos State
Authors: Mary.M. Ebighigbo ( Phd ). Francisca .C. Anyanwu (Phd). Monica .N. Odinko (Phd). Sunday .N. Okocha
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 272-287
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
Access to sufficient nutrition might restrict physical and mental growth of school-aged pupils and could greatly impede enrolment, attendance and retention of pupils which can lead to poor academic performance. This study evaluated the extent to which Universal Basic Education home-grown school feeding programme is implemented for Lower Basic pupils' in Lagos State. Explanatory-concurrent mixed-method design (QUAN+Qual) was adopted. Population comprised pupils, parents and food vendors. An intact class selection method was used to include basic 2 and 3 pupils who benefited from the school feeding programme in each school and their parents while convenience sampling technique was used to select six accessible food vendors. A total of pupils: 868 (Primary 2), 890 (Primary 3), 185 parents of primary 2 pupils, 190 parents of primary 3 pupils and 6 food vendors participate in the study. School Records Sheet for Pupils, Parents' Attitude Towards HGSF Questionnaire (?=0.86), and Key Informant Interview Guide for Food Vendors validated by experts were used for data collection. Data were analysed descriptive statistics (bar chart) and inductive thematic analysis using Atlas.ti. Results revealed that UBE school feeding programme increased enrolment, attendance, and retention rates among the pupils compared to periods before the intervention. It also shows that pupils liked the meals they were served. It was found that parents had positive attitudes toward the school feeding programme and food vendors maintained hygiene standards during food processing and delivery. Federal and Lagos State governments should consider reinstating the school feeding programme to increase enrolment, attendance and retention at the lower basic level of education in Lagos State.