An Assessment of the First Wave of Covid-19 and Need for Strategic Management of Education in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

During the first quarter of the year 2020, the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic attracted public attention and raised deep concern to all stakeholders. This has undoubtedly taken the world unconscious, ill-equipped, and unwary thus leaving the countries affected to experience the overwhelming consequences on all sectors of the economy including aviation, sports, agriculture, and education. The virus, which was detected in Wuhan City, China, has affected more than 130 countries globally. The shutdown of educational institutions in Nigeria was due to the outbreak of the virus, which disrupted educational delivery to students. In the light of the foregoing, this study examined the reassessment of the first wave of the covid-19 pandemic and the need for strategic management of education in Kwara State. Assessments from global, African, and Nigerian perspectives were discussed. Various effects of covid-19 on the educational system were carefully assessed. The concept and process of strategic management were carefully looked at. Procedures for diverse strategic management of education were dissected by providing a model that can be used to improve the education system. The study concluded that the importance of education cannot be underestimated; hence the need for diverse management of education is imperative for the overall achievement of educational goals. The measures include the inclusion of online learning in the school curriculum to ensure that teaching and learning are not affected, the availability of digital gadgets for teachers and students in school for effective implementation of education at all levels.