VIRTUAL CLASSROOM TEACHING IN POST COVID-19 NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF BUSINESS STUDIES STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This paper examines virtual classroom teaching and its implications for the academic performance of Business Studies students in Nigeria secondary schools in the post-COVID-19 era.  The paper highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented public health phenomenon due to its high contagion and fatality rates, which necessitated drastic governmental interventions to mitigate its adverse effects – particularly on students’ academic performance.  The paper establishes that a relationship exists between the adoption of virtual classes and students’ class attendance, academic performance and classroom management.  Among other recommendations, the paper suggests that the government should subsidise the cost of ICT facilities for educational institutions to make virtual learning more accessible and effective.  Additionally, it recommends continuous training and retraining programmes for teachers and students to develop the necessary ICT competencies for effective use of the virtual and online learning systems.