Poor academic performance may be caused by many factors not excluding exposure to cyanides in cassava products which may result in mental retardation, poor cognitive function, memory loss, neurological disorders and visual impairments. Cyanogenic potentials in garri flour from four Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria were determined. The cyanogenic potentials of the garri samples determined ranged from 14.51 to 21.00 ppm and were above the FAO/WHO recommended safe level of 10 ppm. Communities in Area 4 produced garri flour with high cyanogenic potential of 21.00 ppm while those in Area 3 produced garri flour with low cyanogenic potential of 14.51 ppm. The results revealed the risk of developing problems like depression, poor cognitive function and congenital malformations due to cyanide poisoning that may possibly lead to poor academic performance among students in all the sampled Areas with Area 4 having higher possibilities compared to other Areas. And so, it was recommended that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education should collaborate to sensitize and educate the parents and students/pupils on the health disorders associated with cyanide. Also, parents should prevent children below 16years from excessive intake of garri to minimize the risks of cyanide poisoning on their memory, cognitive function and attention which may lead to poor academic performance.
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