Challenges and Issues of Online Education in SubSaharan Africa amid the Covid-19 Pandemic

In this paper, the researchers investigated various challenges and issues of online education in secondary schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in one of the secondary schools in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The participants were female students, teachers and parents. Feedback of teachers and students from other schools in SSA was also considered. The study adopted a mixed method approach for data collection and analysis. Instruments for data collection included observation, records and questionnaires, followed by a documentary review. A number of challenges and issues faced during online learning were identified and discussed. Possible solutions to these challenges were also suggested. High dropout rate was identified as the main issues of concern about online education in SSA. A large number of students did not participate in online education. The most prevalent challenges leading to high dropout rate were access to ICT and internet access. These challenges affected both teachers and students. To achieve equity and inclusivity in online education, governments in SSA should invest in providing internet access and distributing learning devices to all students and teachers