PERCEPTION OF STAFF AND STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OYO TOWN ON NUTRITION EDUCATION AS A CORRELATE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

 The cross-sectional study assessed the perception of 300 staff and students who were willing to participate from five main tertiary institutions in Oyo town on nutrition education as a correlate for national development. The tertiary institutions included: Atiba University, Ajayi Crowther University, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Federal College of Education (FCEsp.) and Federal School of Surveying (FSS). Five objectives and five research questions with one null hypothesis were set for the study. Simple random sampling of participants represents various demographics and experiences using in-person interview schedule and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to establish correlation in order to identify the strength and significance of relationships between nutrition education and development metrics.  Findings show moderately positive relationship between nutrition education and national development at r = .7. It was recommended that partnerships between tertiary institutions, Ministry of Health, National Orientation Agency and community-based organisations would enhance nutrition education initiatives. In addition, increasing awareness on healthy eating at household levels would reduce malnutrition, healthcare costs and diet-related diseases. Nutrition education awareness in academic community would enable informed food choices, while intentional consumption of indigenous foods in season would encourage social ties, support sustainable agricultural practices and resource management for food security and environmental sustainability to strengthen local economies.