The importance of mothers’ education for child health and survival through
various pathways was first demonstrated by Caldwell (1979) in his seminal
paper on Nigeria. This study suggested that education of women played an
important role in determining child survival even after controlling for other
socioeconomic characteristics. The various pathways suggested by the study of
how mother’s education can enhance child survival were implementation of
health knowledge, an increased capability to interact in the modern world and
greater control over health choices for her children.