COVID-19 AND ITS TOLL ON PUPILS AND STUDENTS

The global pandemic that broke out in March 2020 has dealt a great blow on our existence as human beings, affecting every aspect of what life means to us. Children and students of all levels were not left out of the confusion, disturbance and defects Covid-19 has brought.   They spoke with Mary Joy about how it has affected their education.

‘’How can they say education is important if a common disease can shut it down?’’

The above question was what Nifemi Oladeinde, a Primary five pupil in one of the Nursery/Primary School at Ifako Local Government in Lagos state asked in response how she is coping with the stay-at-home order as a result of the pandemic.

Though her response can be said to be childish based on her level of reasoning, it still calls for thorough pondering over because that speaks volume.

Her answer was not different from some other pupils and students that I spoke with.

Nifemi said though she enjoyed the time, she had to spend with her family and grateful they are all alive, she still missed going to school.

Another pupil of about six years who was arguing with his sister over the class he would be when school resumes blamed his confusion on Covid-19 and claimed she was done with school.

As funny as his resolve is, the fact remains that the pandemic actually disrupted and changed many things amongst which is killing the strong confidence these young ones have in Schooling.

Andrew, an SSS2 student also explained how bad he feels concerning the locked down of schools.

‘’We were told education is the best legacy parents can ever give to their children and told to give it our best shot. We wake up early to go to school, burn midnight candles reading, punished for skipping classes or not doing assignment, and a disease without a form came and took all that away. It’s not adding up. It means education is not as important as we were told or it was hyped beyond what it is.’’

Another student who was not pleased interjected the discussion, ‘’And to think that businesses continued even when education stopped after my mum told me that I cannot  live comfortably in the future without education; how does that add up for goodness sake?’’

‘’Education is a scam jare. Nobody needs it to be comfortable these days.’’ Andrew replied him and both walked away leaving me gaping at their retreating figure.

Their response and the hurt in their hearts opened my eyes to a whole new perspective of human existence and co-habitation. It is so easy to put children and teenagers on the side line, not regarding their opinion. Parents make decisions in the family, also Government, schools and the society at large in the name of having their best interest at heart, not thinking twice on how it can affect the younger generation on all grounds.

Some of these youths are left confused on where to pick up from when schools resume while some took to skill acquisition and trade. This further established the typical thought of education not being ‘important’. Many believe the reason they go to school is to secure a good future. So, seeing that Covid-19 has shut down schools perceived to be the only answer to a secured future, they took to trade and skills, and they are making money from it.

Kunle, an undergraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state said, ‘‘since the Pandemic I gave full attention to my skill which is Computer Engineering. I am glad I was well equipped for this time.’’ To him, it doesn’t matter if the pandemic lasted another five month because he can maintain a steady state of livelihood and not think of school.

This further corroborates the mindset certain part of our society have regarding education. While formal education is not meant for a luxurious future primarily, it is still a hope of a more comfortable life. This latter is what some parents have sold to their children and what Government sometimes sell out when they take some decisions or keep silent on certain issues regarding to the youths. It is important that we emphasize that education is for enlightenment and advancement. This cannot be replaced with having money or doing well at a trade.

Agnes Oladeinde, an undergraduate of the University of Lagos, a budding fashion designer and CEO of Aggie Fashion House, clearly stated the dividing line between being educated formally and having a skill when asked if she will leave formal education for her acquired skill.

‘’I won’t leave formal education. Formal education is a basic necessity needed to survive in our modern world. Survival is not about having to something to eat or money to spend alone. It is about being relevant – having something to offer the society, helping my parents, and most importantly, making myself responsible.  The world is modern and civilized so no one should be uneducated. Get education and also get the skill; the two work together.’’

When she was asked how the two work together, she replied, ‘’As the pandemic started, what did I switch to?’’

Though without formal education, her skill will not take her far as she confessed, it is still undeniable that it was her skill that enabled her go through the stay-at-home period.

While some older students tried to scale through, engaging themselves by reading online, joining educative groups on social media and online classes, some, especially those who do not have the means were left stranded and dangling. So many of them feel left out and abandoned, thereby succumbing to depression, peer pressure and bad habits from the internet and movies.

Without doubt, Covid-19 affected us greatly; however it is believed that things we get back to normal quickly and students will find their feet again if all safety and health measures are strictly adhered.

….Orola, a PG student of NIJ wrote in from Ogba, Lagos.