Challenges and Influence of Distance Learning on Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Rivers state, Nigeria

Authors: Kechinyere Chinda (Ph.D)

Affiliation: Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

June 2, 2026

SIAR-Global Journal of Literatures & Educational Review

Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20517499

Crossref DOI: 10.66694/siar.gjler20262001

Challenges and Influence of Distance Learning on Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Rivers state, Nigeria

Research Article Education

Abstract

This study examined the challenges and influence of distance learning on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 5,200 Senior Secondary School II (SS II) students in public secondary schools in Rivers State, while a sample size of 520 students was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled “Challenges and Influence of Distance Learning on Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire (CIDLSAPQ)”. The instrument was validated by experts in educational measurement and evaluation, and its reliability was established using the test–retest method. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while the chi-square statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that distance learning has a significant influence on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Rivers State. It was also found that several challenges such as poor internet connectivity, high cost of data, irregular electricity supply, lack of digital devices, and inadequate technological skills affect the effective implementation of distance learning. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant relationship between the availability of technological facilities and students’ academic performance. Based on the findings, it was concluded that while distance learning can enhance students’ academic performance, its effectiveness is largely dependent on the availability of adequate technological infrastructure and support systems. The study recommended the improved provision of ICT facilities, training of teachers and students on digital skills, and subsidization of internet and learning devices to enhance effective distance learning in secondary schools.

Keywords

Distance Learning, Academic Performance, Secondary Schools, Technological Facilities, Challenges, Rivers State Nigeria

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Kechinyere Chinda (Ph.D) (2026). Challenges and Influence of Distance Learning on Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Rivers state, Nigeria. SIAR-Global Journal of Literatures & Educational Review, Vol. 2, No. 2. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20517499

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Challenges and Influence of Distance Learning on Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Rivers state, Nigeria

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SIAR-Global Journal of Literatures & Educational Review