Navigating campus life in a pandemic: the social and academic realities of students in Ghana’s public universities during covid-19

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic affected the lives of millions of people worldwide including tertiary education students. The study explored the impact of covid-19 on social and academic lives of tertiary education students in Ghana. The research was positioned within the exploratory design in ascertaining in-depth data from purposively selected students. The study used the interview guide as an instrument in gathering data and showed that most students obtained their knowledge on covid-19 from families, friends, media and Ghana Health Service. However, information received about the disease from social media was mostly accompanied with myths which impaired the thoughts of students. Psychologically, students’ preparedness for academic activities were affected especially for those who did not have funds to buy laptops and/or data bundles. Although covid-19 was an opportunity for family members to reunite, it limited religious activities, social events and family gatherings. It was recommended that the university management and Ministry of Education should provide financial and material assistance via the supply of laptops and the make provision for reliable internet connectivity to students. Ghana’s education sector should effectively embrace elearning as a pro-active measure so as to help cushion the effects of such an event on learning in case   of reoccurrence.