THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT

Abstract

Due to the government’s order for lockdown, COVID-19 has had a devastatingly bad impact on kids’ academic performance. This thesis’ main focus is on how Covid-19 affects secondary students’ academic performance in Nigeria. The study was conducted using a survey research approach. Male and female senior secondary students from 10 randomly chosen government-owned secondary schools in Anambra State made up the sample. The structured questionnaire given to the students served as the data gathering tool. The mean, standard deviation, and t-test were used to analyze the data that were gathered for the study. The main conclusions indicated that students’ academic performance suffered as a result of the lockdown of schools in Nigeria due to the coronavirus epidemic. The study also found that the length of time spent at home increases the population of illiterates. The study, among others, advises parents to hire a private teacher for their children when they are not in school, as this will improve their academic performance in the classroom. The study recommends that government should always be ready to contain any epidemic that may occur in the future.

CHAPTER ONE

Background to the study

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome are among the most serious diseases caused by the coronavirus family of viruses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (MERS). These viruses were first spread from animals to humans. For instance, MERS spread from a species of camel to people whereas SARS was spread from civet cats to humans. Many coronaviruses that have not yet infected humans are present in animals. The Latin term corona, which means crown or halo, is whence the word coronavirus gets its name. The seems to have a solar corona around it when seen under an electron microscope. The novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2 since it was discovered by Chinese officials on January 7th, is a fresh strain that had not yet been discovered in people. While human-to-human transmission has been established, nothing is known about it.

The virus’s origin is still unknown, but according to Chinese health officials, it most likely originated at a seafood market in Wuhan, China, where illicit wildlife trading also took place. Pangolins are highly coveted in Asia for food and medicine, and on February 7 Chinese experts suggested that the virus may have moved from an infected animal species to people via unlawful trade in these animals. Experts have suggested that the virus may have originated from either snakes or bats.

The WHO lists fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing issues as symptoms of infection. In more extreme circumstances, it may cause multiple organ failure, pneumonia, and even death. The incubation period, or the interval between infection and the development of symptoms, is now estimated to be one to fourteen days. Infected patients often experience symptoms within five to six days. Those who are infected may also be asymptomatic, which means that they have the virus in their bodies but do not exhibit any symptoms. 2020 (Wikipedia)

The new coronavirus has significantly outnumbered the toll of the SARS pandemic, which also started in China, in terms of deaths. SARS claimed the lives of approximately 800 individuals globally, including more than 300 alone in China, or around 9% of those it affected. One-third of those infected with MERS died because it was more lethal yet did not spread as quickly. As of April 4, COVID-19, a highly contagious respiratory illness brought on by the coronavirus, has claimed the lives of more than 60,000 individuals globally. Data gathered by Johns Hopkins University show that more than 1 million individuals have tested positive for COVID-19. While there are more cases of the new coronavirus than there were of SARS, the fatality rate is still far lower, at around 3.4%, according to the WHO. Although researchers from all around the world are working feverishly to create a vaccine, they have cautioned that it is unlikely one will be made widely accessible until 2021. Since the declaration’s formalization in 2005, there have been five global health emergencies: swine flu in 2009, polio in 2014, Ebola in 2014, Zika in 2016, and Ebola again in 2019.

As of April 13, COVID-19, a highly contagious respiratory illness brought on by the coronavirus, has claimed more than 70,000 lives globally. Data gathered by Johns Hopkins University show that more than 1 million individuals have tested positive for COVID-19. Worldwide efforts are being made to stop the coronavirus pandemic from spreading. The WHO designated the covid-19 outbreak to be a pandemic on March 11, further escalating the worry. The WHO first proclaimed the outbreak to be a global health emergency on January 30. 2020 (Wikipedia)

Nigeria is one of the 200 countries in the world where COVID-19 is now present. West Africa is home to the nation of Nigeria. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is the name given to the nation. With 188,462,640 inhabitants, the nation ranks as the seventh most populated nation in the world. With 356,669 square miles, it is the 32nd largest country geographically. The nation has a president and vice president and is a federal presidential republic. Abuja is the nation’s capital. On January 28, 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria gave its people assurances that it was prepared to step up security at the nation’s five international airports to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Enugu, Lagos, Rivers, Kano, and the FCT were the airports named by the government. The same day, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control also made the announcement that a coronavirus group had been established and was prepared to go into action should a case be discovered in Nigeria. The federal government of Nigeria established a Coronavirus Preparation Group on January 31, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s advances in mainland China and other nations across the globe. The group’s goal is to lessen the virus’s effects should it ever move to Nigeria. The World Health Organization recognized 13 other African nations on the same day as having a high risk of the virus spreading, and included Nigeria in that list. 2020 (Wikipedia)

Nigeria announced its first case on February 27 in Lagos State, where an Italian national who works there had arrived from Milan, Italy on February 25 via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, fell ill on February 26, and was then transported to the Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing. Nigeria currently has 199 covid-19 cases, two fatalities, and twenty recoveries. The Federal Ministry of Education has ordered all Nigerian educational institutions to close and let students go home in order to stop the spread of the virus as the number of COVID-19 cases recorded rose to 13. Sonny Echono, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, said to reporters on March 19 that the decision was a component of the nation’s comprehensive plan to stop the virus’ spread. Nigeria has now been added to the growing list of African nations that have shuttered their colleges and schools. Most universities had already sent their students home before the permanent secretary made his or her formal statement. 2020 (Wikipedia)

The federal, state, and municipal governments oversee education. The Federal Ministry of Education is mainly concerned with tertiary education but is also in charge of general policy formulation and quality supervision. Governments at the state and municipal levels are primarily in charge of secondary and primary education. It has more than 250 distinct ethnic groupings and is multilingual. In the early years of basic teaching, the languages of the three biggest groups—Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa—are the language of instruction; in Grade 8, English takes their place. The Nigerian educational system consists of three distinct sectors: post-basic/senior secondary education (three years), higher education, and basic education (nine years) (four to six years, depending on the program of study). In accordance with Nigeria’s most recent National Policy on Education (2004), a basic education consists of nine years of official (obligatory) schooling, divided into three years of junior secondary education and six years of primary education. Three years of senior secondary education make up post-basic education. the recommendation that all educational institutions in Nigeria be closed and that pupils be allowed to return home as a precaution against the virus’s spread. This thesis seeks to ascertain Impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on students’ Business Studies academic performance in public junior secondary schools

Statement of the Problem

The National Examinations Council (NECO) and the 2020 West African Examination Council have been postponed indefinitely in Nigeria as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to the Federal Government.

The scenario is gloomy. The figures are alarming, and there are serious repercussions. The figures are extraordinary, and the ramifications are huge. Never before have there been so many kids and teens out of school at once. Better envisioned are the results.

Before the recent school closures, there was already a worldwide learning crisis since so many children weren’t gaining the essential life skills even when the educational system was in full swing (World Bank 2020).

The issue has now become worse due to the closing of the schools, which has had a notable effect on the children, teachers, and families as well as having far-reaching economic and social repercussions.

Poor children in many nations, including Nigeria, depend on the school feeding program for their only daily meal. Yet, millions of kids are losing out on these meals as a result of the recent closure of schools.

Youths who are not actively participating in their education are linked to several social vices. Children and young people who do not attend school are more prone to social vices including drinking, drug misuse, and other types of criminal behavior. Other effects of school closures include early marriage and child labor.

Several nations, including Nigeria, have embraced online teaching and learning, employing radio, television, and internet solutions to improve access to education in an effort to actively involve the kids and guarantee that they are not left behind in their learning path.

With its COVID-19 Education response, UNESCO launched a platform called Learning Never Stops to support inclusive learning opportunities for children and adolescents at this time of abrupt disruption in the school system. This was done to provide students another opportunity for learning.

For ongoing education and tailored learning for kids at home, the Nigerian Ministry of Education has published on its website electronic learning materials and education chat rooms for the nation’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

However how admirable these projects seem, they cannot replace classroom teaching or provide the same benefits to the really poor children who depend on schools for food, healthcare, and safety as well as for their education.

Moreover, considering that impoverished children have limited access to television, power, the internet, and other tools necessary to use e-learning platforms, these initiatives could not succeed in meeting the goals established.

Objectives of the Study 

The main objectives of this study is to examine Effect of covid-19 pandemic on student’s academic performance in Business Studies in public junior secondary schools in Gashua , Yobe State

The study sought to examine the following specific objectives:

1. To find out if COVID-19 Schools shutdown has effects on the academic performance of secondary school students in Gashua ,Yobe State, Nigeria
2. To find out the perceptions of student on the effects of COVID-19 Schools shutdown down on the academic programme of secondary school students in Nigeria
3. To find out if Covid-19 pandemic have impact on reduction of manpower in secondary school education in Nigeria.
4. To give possible suggestions on how to re-open schools in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Questions 

1. Does COVID-19 Schools shutdown has effects on the secondary school students academic performance  in  Briyel Town?
2. What are the perceived perceptions of student on the effects of COVID-19 Schools shutdown down on the academic programme of secondary school students in  Briyel Town?
3. Does Covid-19 pandemic have impact on reduction of manpower in  secondary school education in Nigeria?

Significance

This research will shed light on how parents in Nigeria perceive the effects of COVID 19 on secondary education. The results of this research will assist the administration in determining the extent of the harm that closing the schools has inflicted. Also, the study will be beneficial for lecturers, students, and researchers. The study’s advice will be useful to policymakers, government officials, and school administrators.

Scope

The purpose of this research is to ascertain how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the academic performance of Briyel Town students. The study was limited to Nigerian secondary school education and the detrimental impacts of the COVID-19 on academic outcomes, student performance, and current status.

Terminology Definitions

A virus is a tiny infectious agent that can only reproduce inside of a live cell. Many sorts of living forms, including animals, plants, and microbes like bacteria and archaea, are susceptible to virus infection.

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that has spread over a huge area, such as several continents, or the whole planet. A pandemic is not a broad endemic illness with a steady affected population. Therefore, seasonal flu recurrences are often not included in flu pandemics.

An epidemic occurs when a disease spreads quickly to a big portion of a community in a short amount of time. For instance, a meningococcal infection epidemic is defined as more than 15 cases per 100,000 persons occurring over two weeks.

 

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