Assessment of Nutritional Status of School Children in Makurdi, Benue State

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of school aged children (6-17 years) in Makurdi, capital of Benue State-Nigeria. Compared to NCHS/WHO standard, mean BMI (body mass index) of school children in Makurdi was inferior at all ages. The prevalence rate of undernutrition was (50.66%) and schools located in the slum parts of Makurdi (C.A.C wadata and L.G.E.A Wurukum) recorded the highest rate of undernutrition with (78.33%) and (73.33%) respectively. Males recorded a relatively high rate of undernutrition 162 (57.44%) than females 142 (44.65%). The study reveals that the average of school child in Makurdi is undernourished. Poor nutrition of children do not only affects the cognitive development of children but also likely to reduce the work capacity in future