Covid-19 Pandemic and Educational Development in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

The study centres on two state owned degree awarding tertiary institutions: Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Prior to Covid-19, the mode learning was face to face. This, however, was interrupted by the pandemic, with lecturers and students being forced to online teaching. This study examines the nature of tertiary educational development in Rivers State before Covid-19 pandemic; investigates the setbacks caused by Covid-19 pandemic and investigates how Covid-19 impacted on tertiary educational development in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research adopted secondary and primary means in gathering the data. The study design was the descriptive survey method using purposive sampling technique. The population of study comprises both Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University staff of 4,291, with a sample size of 400 respondents. The structural functionalism theory of Talcot Parson is used to guide the study. The findings showed that: Covid-19 delayed students' graduation; affected various universities budget plan and academic calendar. It led to poor school enrolments, poor school health and a decline of revenue. Thus, the study recommends that Government should make adequate provision for online learning platform in schools; and that there should be greater awareness on Covid 19.