Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic: Effects, Responses and Challenges for Education in Abeokuta, South-West Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on education, the challenges and the responses, in Abeokuta, south-west Nigeria. It adopted the case study design and qualitative method of data collection. It found that the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the lockdown, affected all stakeholders in the education sector from governments at all levels to pupils. Responses through the provision of palliatives, the introduction of online classes and internet connectivity cost reduction by network providers were less effective than they might have been as a result of certain hindrances, such as poor funding and erratic power supply. The study concluded that stakeholders in the education sector must provide the enabling environment for education to thrive for both learners and teachers in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. The study recommends investment in education through adequate funding, setting up early warning systems and the enforcement of child rights acts.