COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS OF ELUSIVE LEARNING CURVE AS NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES RUN VIRTUAL CLASSES

Abstract

This study centers on Virtual Learning (VL) being implemented by Nigerian universities on
directives of Federal Ministry of Education (FME) as reactive approach to COVID-19
Lockdown. Paradoxically, in pre-COVID-19 pandemic times, National University Commission
(NUC) concedes, undergraduate applicants exceed available spaces, however, NUC refused to
plug the gap through approval of Nigerian universities to run online courses. The foregoing,
triggers intention to investigate whether granting Nigerian universities mandate to implement VL
in pre-COVID-19 pandemic era, would have given Nigerian universities learning curve
advantages during COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopts qualitative research design.
Evidences in support of research argument were harnessed from secondary sources. Where
applicable, Appendixes were adapted for qualitative analysis. Findings show that: starting VL
while COVID-19 pandemic is already raging is a reactive disposition; there were needs for VL
in Nigeria, years before incursion of COVID-19 pandemic; Nigerian universities would have
amassed experience in operationalization of VL, provided NUC had given Nigerian universities
nod on VL long before COVID-19 Lockdown. This study concludes, learning curve eludes
Nigerian universities in implementation of VL during COVID-19 pandemic. The study offers
recommendations: NUC needs to grant Nigerian universities mandate to run online based
degrees henceforth. FME has to craft policy to legitimize certificate from online based course.
National Youth Service Corps should recognize graduates of online courses. Nigeria universities
should adopt proactive strategies in post-COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations should focus
social responsibilities toward supporting Nigerian universities during and after COVID-19
pandemic.