Articles

COMPLIANCE OF COVID-19 PROTOCOLS BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BAYELSA STATE AFTER THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Idisape Inengite
Department of Science Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
Ogeteimere Dogubo
Department of Science Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
Okubusa Afua Ayah
Department of Science Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
Spiff Irigha Greg
Department of Human Kinetic, Health and Safety Education, Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Bayelsa State
Mercy Telu
Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Joy-Telu Hamilton-Ekeke
Department of Science Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
Published: May 9, 2026 Issue: Vol. 34 No. 2 (2022)

Abstract

This study analyzed the compliance level of COVID-19 protective protocols among public
and private secondary schools in Yenagoa metropolis. COVID-19 disease spreads
primarily through contact (when an infected person either coughs or sneezes openly),
when a person touches a surface or object and then touches the eyes, nose, or mouth hence
the development of preventive protocols by World Health Organisation (WHO). The study
methodology involved adapting the WHO COVID-19 protocols checklist which was used
to check compliance of schools when they re-opened in January, 2021 after the Nation-
wide lockdown. The study population was all the private and public secondary students in
Yenagoa metropolis of Bayelsa State. This consists of students in nineteen (19) private
secondary schools and fourteen (14) public secondary schools. All the private and public
schools were visited by the researchers (population equal sample size n = 33). 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 myriads of challenges
in Nigerian schools. Based on this finding, it is therefore recommended that provisions be
made for the compliance to the protocols no matter what. Provisions of hand washing
facilities; thermometers for temperature checking; and emphasis on seating arrangement
in the classroom to reflect physical/social distancing; are a must. During school assembly,
the school populace should be educated on the dangers of hugging, handshakes, and the
need to be vaccinated.

Keywords: COVID-19 protocols public secondary school private secondary school compliance