The Implication of Early Childhood Malnutrition for Age of Entry into Primary School in Nigeria

Using the 2010 Nigeria DHS EdData Survey (2010 NEDS), this research examines the association of early childhood malnutrition and its interaction with female gender, residence in northern Nigeria, rural areas, and/or life in poverty on the age of entry into primary school. Specifically, it investigates whether these relationships vary by maternal education and child’s age bracket. The multi-level linear regression results show that early childhood malnutrition increases the age of entry into primary school, particularly for rural children, children living in poverty and children whose mothers have less than a secondary school education. The results also indicate that regardless of a child’s age bracket, the interaction of early childhood malnutrition and poverty increases the age of entry into school; however, among children seven and older only, the combination of early childhood malnutrition and living in rural areas increases the age of entry into primary school. These findings show that developmental, human capital and economic theories are applicable to the discussion of early childhood nutrition and education in Nigeria. Policies to address the nutritional needs of children must focus on improving the socioeconomic status of households, in conjunction with inclusion of early childhood education and nutrition programs.