Paper short abstract:

The study analyzed the compliance level of COVID-19 protective protocols among public and private secondary sch in Nigeria and what it means for the future in the restructuring of schools as the new normal post pandemic. COVID-19 disease spreads through contact hence the need for preventive protocol

Paper long abstract:

The study methodology involved adapting the WHO COVID-19 protocols checklist which was used to check compliance of schools when schools re-opened in January, 2021 after the nation-wide lockdown in Nigeria in 2020. The study population was all the private and public secondary schools in Yenagoa metropolis of Bayelsa State, South of Nigeria. This consists of twenty-nine (29) private secondary schools and twenty-four (24) public secondary schools. All the private and public schools were visited by the researcher (population equal sample size n = 53). It was found out that there was partial adherence to the WHO COVID-19 preventive protocols in all the schools visited but a better compliance in private schools compared to public schools. More students were wearing face mask in the private schools (90%) visited as compared to the public schools (40%). Provision of alcohol-base hand sanitizers, avoiding touching of surfaces, and temperature check were the least protocol complied with by both public and private secondary schools. Strict adherence or compliance with the COVID-19 directives is a serious challenge amidst other existing and endemic myriad of challenges in the Nigerian schools. Based on this finding, it is therefore recommended that provisions be made for the compliance to the protocols going forward. Provisions of hand washing facilities; thermometers for temperature checking; and emphasis on seating arrangement in the classroom to reflect physical/social distancing; should be the new normal. During school assembly, the school populace should be educated on the dangers of hugging, handshakes, and the need to be vaccinated.