Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic performance of secondary school students in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 20 students were selected using simple random sampling. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages. Face and content validity were ensured, and reliability was assessed using a test-retest method. This was conducted at a school that was not part of the sample group. The instrument was administered twice within a two-week interval to five (5) students. The response was correlated using Pearson's Moment Coefficient. The reliability coefficient is 0.89. Data was collected and analysed. Findings revealed that students encountered challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as schools were closed. The study concluded that the lockdown of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has damaging effects on the teaching and learning process. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government should ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic does not recur in Nigerian society.