Ayobami S Olayiwola¹, Ayodapo O Jegede¹ , Olumide E Sorinola², Nicholas S Adetuase¹, Imole P Latona³, David A Adeyemo¹, Japheth O Oseghale¹, Wilson O Erhun¹

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University,; ²Osun State Hospitals’ Management Board, Osogbo,; ³Comprehensive Medical Centre, Central Police Barracks, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

For correspondence:-  Ayodapo Jegede   Email: dapojegede@oauife.edu.ng   Tel:+2347066415687

Received: 29 March 2026        Accepted: 18 August 2026        Published: 31 August 2026

Citation: Olayiwola AS, Jegede AO, Sorinola OE, Adetuase NS, Latona IP, Adeyemo DA, et al. Perceived effect of COVID-19-related closures and industrial strike actions on the academic performance of pharmacy students in Southwestern Nigeria. Trop J Pharm Res 2026; 25(8):1179-1186 doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v25i8.15

© 2026 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the perceived impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and the recent industrial strike action on the academic performance, study habits and coping mechanisms among undergraduate pharmacy students in Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 344 pharmacy students at the 200 to 500 levels at accredited Schools of Pharmacy in Southwestern Nigeria in 2024. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, weighted averages (WA), paired t-tests, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Due to recall bias, this study is interpreted as a self reported retrospective survey instead of longitudinal data. Results: Developing a study timetable (34 %) and prioritising tasks by deadline (32 %) were the most common academic workload strategies. Regular exercise (38 %) and setting realistic academic goals (29 %) were the most frequently cited stress-reduction approaches. A paired t-test revealed no statistical difference between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 GPA, while a significant difference was observed between pre-COVID GPA and post-strike GPA (P = 0.107 and P = 0.023, respectively). Weighted averages show a decline in reading culture during the strike and perceived difficulty of exams after the strike, with WAs of 3.95 and 3.81, respectively. Mean rank comparisons using Kruskal- Wallis H tests revealed significant differences between the universities for online learning satisfaction, clinical experience and self-reported GPA. Conclusion: Both COVID-19 closure and post-pandemic ASUU strike disrupted study habits and academic performance, with the strike producing the larger and statistically significant self-reported GPA decline. Pharmacy schools should establish academic-continuity contingency plans and provide structured academic and mental-health support following prolonged disruptions. Clinical training must be accorded maximum protection during such periods.

Keywords: Academic performance, ASUU strike, Coping strategies, COVID-19, Higher education disruptions, Nigeria, Pharmacy students

Impact Factor
Thompson Reuters (ISI): 0.6 (2023)
H-5 index (Google Scholar): 49 (2023)