Factors Affecting Virtual Learning in Nigeria

In a country like Nigeria, there are a lot of factors affecting the adoption of virtual learning.

Virtual learning as explained earlier is the learning done online using the internet within or outside an educational setting. From our analysis in the previous article where we looked into the readiness of Nigerian tertiary institutions in adopting or transiting to virtual learning, we came to an understanding that both the institutions, students, and academic staff must be knowledgeable in using all the technology devices required for virtual learning.

Yes, with all these in place, one could say the foundation has been laid, but still, there are some factors that might hinder or greatly affect the efficiency of the system especially in a developing country. In this article, we will lay focus on Nigeria. Below are the factors that will affect the adoption of virtual learning in Nigeria.

Factors Affecting Virtual Learning in Nigeria

• Cost of Devices (computers, phones, tablets, etc.):

Before we even talk about how to use such devices, we have to consider the cost of them. A lot of these devices are very expensive for the poor or an average Nigerian. This is a very big problem because if you cannot afford a Computer, Smartphone, Tablet, iPad, or any other device that can be used in the virtual learning process, you cannot be a part of it. Let us not ignore the fact that there are some cheap devices now, all thanks to China and some other Asian countries, but still one would need a very good device for virtual learning, which might still not sit well with an average Nigerian.

• How to use the Device:

Getting the device is one thing, knowing how to use such a device is entirely a different thing. Students and academic staff who cannot make use of such devices cannot be a part of the system.

• Knowledge of the Internet:

The internet is a very broad network that novices might find it a little tricky or difficult to grasp. Individuals who want to be a part of the virtual learning system must have not just a good, but a very good knowledge on how to use the internet.

• Knowledge of Browsers, Application Softwares:

These are the tools you will use to access the internet, there are different browsers out there. One would need to have a very good background on how to use them and to know the slight differences in the various browsers applications out there. Some schools might develop an app, still, both the lecturers and students need a very good understanding of the app to use it. In other words, the app must be user-friendly.

• Cost of Data:

One would definitely need a data plan to access the internet, and the cost of data in Nigeria is not pocket-friendly when compared to other countries. So many times, you will get to buy a data plan and will not be able to account on what and what you used it for before it finishes. This is bad, the data plans sold in Nigeria cannot to compared to some developing countries. This would really affect students, most especially, when the virtual learning involves online facilitation, online streaming etc. because all of these consumes a lot of data.

• Network Coverage:

A lot of students in tertiary institutions live in villages and rural areas where there are little or no network coverage at all. You will find in most villages that they still make use of the 2G network. This is very bad and would stand as a hindrance of the virtual learning system which should require nothing less than a 3G-above network for greater efficiency.

• Power Supply

This is one of the biggest setbacks to virtual learning in Nigeria. All the aforementioned devices used in the virtual learning process requires constant and a steady power supply to function.

Now, that we have seen the factors affecting virtual learning, let us see the possible solutions.

How to Eliminate the Factors Affecting Virtual Learning in Nigeria

Citing the factors that will hinder the adoption of virtual learning is a good thing, clearly as they say;

“A problem shared is half solved”

But finding a way to eliminate the factors and fixing the problem is much better.

We have now known the factors that’ll hinder virtual learning, let’s now focus on the solution. The points below will explain how we can eliminate the factors that will hinder virtual learning at tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

• Giving the Devices to Students and Academic Staff:

How can this be done? It could be in the form of a grant from the government to the students to purchase the device of their choice. Or the institution could add the cost of the device to the school fees of all students in the institution, mandating the students to get the device. This also applies to the lecturers, just that the device cost could be deducted from their salary.

• Organizing Computer Literacy Programs:

Tertiary institutions should organize more computer literacy programmes to educate the students on how to make good use of the computer gadgets that can be used for virtual learning. The students on their own are advised to enroll for computer appreciation courses, not just for the case of virtual learning but it will also be an added certificate to their curriculum vitae.

• Reduction in Data Cost:

The federal government should find a way to reduce the cost of data, it could be in the form of subsidy for students and the academic staff. This will greatly encourage the adoption of the system.

• Fixing Network Coverage Issues:

Telecommunication companies should equally find a way to have the same spread of their network all around the country. This will enable students both in the rural and urban areas to have uninterrupted and stable network supply to access the internet at all time in any place of their choice.

• Providing Steady Power Supply:

The federal government should create an avenue where the entire country would enjoy a 24hrs uninterrupted power supply. This is keep all the devices required for virtual learning up and running, and thus making virtual learning a reality.

With all these in place, Nigeria tertiary institutions would be fully ready to transit to virtual learning fully like their counterparts in other developed countries.