School Feeding as Strategy for Implementing Universal Basic Education in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Basic education is conceived within the context of the global vision of education for all (EFA), which aims at mobilizing society to a part of the effort to eradicate illiteracy. But more children of school going age are still outside the classroom in Cross River State. This study focused on the use of School Feeding Programme as a strategy for boasting the enrolment of children and their retention in the primary schools. One hundred and ninety teachers drawn from nine pilot schools in Cross River State, Nigeria were used as respondents. We found that the school feeding programme greatly enhanced people’s enrolment and retention. It is recommended that all public primary schools be covered by the school feeding and health programme to boast the enrolment of children.

Keywords: School feeding programme, pupil’s enrolment, illiteracy eradication.