Lecturers’ Perception on Administration of Online Teaching in Nigerian Private Universities amidst Covid-19 Lockdown: A Qualitative Evidence from Al-Hikmah University

Abstract

In 2020, the novel COVID-19 epidemic was, without a doubt, the top issue for
all nations. All higher education institutions in Nigeria were forced to close
due to a sharp increase in virus infections, which allowed a select few private
universities to transition to online instruction to maintain an uninterrupted
academic schedule. The first private university in Nigeria to use online
instruction was Al-Hikmah University. Using Al-Hikmah University as a case
study, this study examined administrative tactics of online teaching in
Nigerian private universities. For this study, a qualitative research design was
used. All the university's professors make up the population. Six participants
from five faculties were chosen using stratified, purposive, and convenience
procedures. The participants were asked to provide pertinent information
using a tool called "Interview Protocol on Administration of Online Teaching
(IPAOTS)." Thematic analysis was used to transcribe and examine the data
that was gathered. Zoom, WhatsApp, and Telegram were found to be used by
lecturers to teach students. Planning, coordinating, supervising, directing, and
evaluating are some administrative techniques utilized in online teaching.
Findings also point to difficulties with online instruction. They include a lousy
network, insufficient data, unruly students, and power outages. Based on the
study's findings, it was advised that efficient online teaching in universities
requires ongoing training for lecturers, adequate data subscription, correct
planning, and sound e-learning policy.