Effect Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Academic Performance Of Secondary School Students

1.1 Background of the Study 

The government of Nigeria is much concerned with the global agenda of achieving education for all. The academic performance of students has become a great concern to stakeholders of education. This has led the government to formulate and implement policies to improve academic performance. In Nigeria, the abolition of tuition fees and the introduction of the Capitation Grant Initiative in 2005 resulted in a massive increase in enrolment (18%) in public basic schools (MOESS, 2006). Many factors including persistent reforms of education, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure, inadequate teachers among others have been attributed to the low level of academic achievement in Nigeria. The Ministry of Education reports showed that over 20% of children leave school before the completion of the basic cycle, due to factors including the low quality public education (MOESS, 2006). A lecturer who does not have both the academic and the professional lecturer qualification would undoubtedly have a negative influence on the teaching, and learning of his/her subject. Great strides have been taken by successive governments towards the improvement of the school system yet it continues to experience poor performance. Covid19 Pandemic has also been found to be a major contributing factor to academic performance. Kaplan & Sadock, (2000), stated that, although an optimal level of Covid19 Pandemic can enhance learning ability, Niemi & Vainiomaki, 1999; argued that, too much Covid19 Pandemic can cause physical and mental health problems and may affect the academic achievement of students. There have been numerous studies on Covid19 Pandemic and its impact on psychological and physical health for several decades by psychologists. Lazarus defined Covid19 Pandemic as a state of psychological arousal that results when external demands tax or exceed a person’s adaptive abilities (Lazarus, 1966). This shows that Covid19 Pandemic has discernable impact on students’ academic achievement. 

The educational system in Nigeria over the years has gone through several reforms. The implementation of the reform programs introduced by the Government in 1987 reduced the number of years spent at the basic level from ten years to nine years. As part of the reforms, the Federal College of Education lasts for a period of three years. The Government in 2007 extended the years for Federal College of Education to four years and was again changed by the Government in 2009 to three years. All these reforms were geared towards higher academic achievement. The curriculum has been enriched and expanded in order to ensure quality performance, yet the Nigeria in education system is experiencing low academic performance. Considering these and other factors, it is important to consider perceived Covid19 Pandemic and academic performance of students in Senior High Schools.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

Based on the nature of the problem, the project seeks to find out:

1. The profile of Federal College of Education Student’s Perceived Covid19 Pandemic on learning of Covid-19. 

2. The Academic Performance of Federal College of Education Students

3. The Academic Performance of Senior High Schools

4. The Relationship between Perceived Covid19 Pandemic and Academic Performance

1.3 Research Hypothesis

The following hypothesis was tested in the study below:

H0: There is no significant relationship between Federal College of Education Students’ Perceived Covid19 Pandemic, and Academic Performance. 

H1: There is significant relationship between Federal College of Education Students’ Perceived Covid19 Pandemic and Academic Performance

1.4   Research Questions

The research seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the Profile of Federal College of Education Students’ Perceived Covid19 Pandemic?

2. What is the effect of Covid19 Pandemic on Academic Performance of Covid-19 study in Federal College of Education Students’?

3. What is the Academic Performance of Federal Colleges of Education?

The findings of the study would provide essential information for students, parents, tutors, and other researchers on Covid19 Pandemic, and academic performance and will help students to cope effectively with Covid19 Pandemic, identify their strength and weakness in order to achieve academic excellence. The study will further help curriculum developers to develop constructive programs to improve academic performance. It will also help professionals like school counselors to develop strategies to ameliorate Covid19 Pandemic and help students to understand themselves. It will provide information to government to develop the rural schools in order to do well in academics. Finally the study will serve as a source of reference material to students and other researchers who may undertake similar research work.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study will be immense significance to a wide spectrum of the federal college of education, zaria in kaduna state, local government area. 

Again, this intent contributing to the existing knowledge on effects of Covid19 Pandemic on academic performance of students. It will enlighten schools lecturers and the entire parent on Covid19 Pandemic of the students, thereby helping them to guard against problem in colleges. 

Moreover, this project will equally enlighten parents on the problem of too much Covid19 Pandemic which their children sometimes involves themselves.

The recommendation of the researchers may also contributes to the efforts at solving the problems of Covid19 Pandemic encountered by students in Federal Colleges of Education. 

The work will also be of benefits to FCE students and other users of the library. This is because, after completion of this research, a copy will be taken to the library for public consumption. Students will benefits from the findings of this research. 

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study 

The scope of the study specifically focused or centered on the effects of Covid19 Pandemic on academic performance of students at Federal College of Education, Zaria Area of Kaduna state.

The delimitation of the study will only concern on Federal Colleges of Education shall be covered by this study. It will only be delimited to Federal Colleges of Education, Zaria. Conceptually the study will make use of concepts and terms use in educational psychology, guidance and counseling, moral instruction through curriculum