UPSHOT OF COVID-19 ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the consequences of covid-19 on the academic performance of students in tertiary institution in Enugu state. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design.  The population of this study consisted of 13, 304 of all third (300L) students from the thirteen (13) tertiary institution in Enugu State. Using simple random sampling the researcher selected three hundred and eighty seven (387) students as the sample size. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The instrument was face validated by three experts. To determine the reliability of the instrument, the researcher employed a Test –retest method using spearman Rank order coefficient. The reliability value is 0.75.  Mean was used to answer research questions. The findings from the study showed that; Covid-19 has led to the closing of schools for a long time and also destabilized school calendar. Some students could not continue with their studies after the lockdown leading to drop-out. Use of hand sanitizers, regular wearing of nose masks and building isolation center in the school compound are measures taken to reduce the effects of covid-19. The government should increase the funding of tertiary institutions in next year's budget to allow them to manage all the damages caused by the COVID-19 school close down. The Nigeria government should direct all the tertiary institutions to conduct online teaching and jointly solve new problems that may arise in the teaching process. The government should reduce the maximum number of lessons per week for lecturers. This would afford them adequate time to prepare and deliver the content effectively and efficiently.