Covid-19 Effects On University Administrators: University Of Nigeria, Nsukka Experience
Egbosionu Anthonia Nneka Ph.D
Deputy Registrar, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus
Keywords: Covid 19 effect, Containment strategies, lockdown, School closure, Professional University administrators.
Abstract
This study examined COVID-19 effects on professional University Administrators in Nigeria. There have been numerous disruptions of organizational functions both academic and support services in the University system as a result of the pandemic and so the professional administrators’ responsibilities have been greatly altered. Therefore, the objective of the study is to determine the extent to which the disruptions arising from the Covid 19 pandemic have affected the functional responsibilities of professional administrators in Nigeria, taking the University of Nigeria experience as a case study. The method for data collection is a survey among professional administrators at the University of Nigeria. The instrument was a questionnaire in which the administrative functions of the administrators were compared before and after the Covid 19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown. Using the theory of constraint, Goldratt (1947-2011) in education as a theoretical explanation for the change of the professional administrators’ responsibility in the institution, and the extant literature as conceptual guide, the study found that covid 19 Lockdown and School closure affected the admission of fresh students to a considerable extent such as not allowing students to come to campus for registration (Mean = 4.78); prevention of critical assignment for students’ enrolment (Mean = 4.77) and restriction of movement during the peak perod of covid-19 (Mean = 4.59). on the work of professional administrators in the University of Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study concludes that covid 19 has created a ‘new normal’ effect for professional University administrators in the University of Nigeria. It is therefore recommends that virtual optimization of more activities carried out by professional administrators in the University of Nigeria be effected. This is not only to take care of covid 19 but to prepare for any other future pandemic