Remote teaching and learning in Nigerian private universities

Abstract

Education systems around the world faced an unprecedented challenge in the wake of massive school closures mandated by the spread of COVID-19. Nigeria as a country, has her own fair share of the ravaging COVID-19 when the incident case of the corona virus was reported, and since left the country with plethora of myths and realities about what the virus is. Part of the realities brought by this public health emergency is the use of remote teaching and learning to facilitate learning process beyond COVID-19 era. The use of video streaming platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Meet, YouTube, Microsoft Team and others are explored to give tasks and assignments to students without necessarily meeting face-to-face. Some believe that the unplanned and rapid move to remote teaching and learning with no proper training, insufficient bandwidth, and little preparation could result in poor user experience with attendant un-conduciveness to sustained growth. Although, there have been some criticisms about remote teaching and learning especially when it is delivered incorrectly and inefficiently, however, with the adoption of an excellent learning management system, many benefits may likely be derived. Others believe that a new hybrid model of education will emerge with significant benefits. Therefore, this study explored the various remote teaching and learning tools adopted and the scope of their application in postgraduate training in Nigerian private universities. It also addressed the benefits, lessons learnt and challenges faced in the adoption of remote teaching and learning. The possible ways of addressing the identified challenges by the management of Nigerian private universities especially in the post-Covid19 era was also examined.