A Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in African Universities
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2024-07-17
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Abstract
Abstract: This paper presents a study on how University students, lecturers, administrators and managers perceive the impacts of the
of COVID-19 crisis on various aspects of University teaching and learning in Africa, and particularly in Kenya. The sudden closure of
campuses as a preventive measure to community transmission shifted face-to-face classes to virtual learning modes. With a sample of
1,236 University students and staff from 18 universities in Kenya and Nigeria, the study reveals that amid the worldwide lockdown
and transition to online learning, expectation by 44% of the students were met. Students were mainly concerned about issues to do
with internet connectivity, computing devices and electrical power. In addition, utilising e-Learning tools and platforms for effective
student engagement posed limitations of accessibility and affordability for many students. The teaching staff on the other hand were
mainly concerned with access to the teaching resources, conducting online teaching, capacity to handle the online mode of teaching,
devices and eContent development. The pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of the current higher education system and the need
for enhanced policy formulation and implementation on digital infrastructure to adapt to the rapidly changing education ecosystem of
the world. In the post-pandemic situation, the use of eLearning and virtual education may become an integral part of the higher
education system. Key factors influencing students’ satisfaction with the role of their University are also identified as internet access,
quality of e-content and e-content development. Policymakers, stakeholders and higher education institutions in Africa may benefit
from these findings while formulating policy recommendations and strategies to support University teaching and learning during this
and any future pandemics. Universities need to plan the post-pandemic education and research strategies to ensure student learning
outcomes and standards of educational quality.