By Samantha Rockson

All industry sectors are being affected by the coronavirus, but the education sector is arguably one of the hardest hit. Today, UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that all UK schools will close from Friday 20th March until further notice.

Universities have also begun slowing down operations and shifting their delivery models to help manage the spread of the virus. In the United States, restrictions on public gatherings include widespread school closures following President Trump’s announcement that the pandemic may not subside until July or August. So far, 39 states have closed schools, affecting more than 41 million students.
In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the closure of schools as the virus spreads across the continent’s most advanced economy.

On Monday 16th March, Ghana’s president imposed a four‑week ban on all public gatherings—including schools and universities—in an effort to control the outbreak. The Lagos State Government has also announced that all public and private schools will close from Monday 23rd March.

While the situation may feel overwhelmingly bleak, I always try to look for opportunities within challenges (a true PERMA outlook). With my professional background in the education sector, I am particularly focused on the exciting possibilities emerging around online education. Providers that previously relied solely on face‑to‑face teaching will now be forced to rethink and redesign their business models to meet the demands of this new reality.

Online education offers numerous benefits, including flexibility for those who work, care for families, or juggle multiple responsibilities. Modern technology supports high‑quality teaching and learning, and when used effectively, can significantly enhance student engagement and achievement. A 2013 study by The Learning House found that 44% of online students secured employment within 12 months of completing their course, and 45% reported a salary increase.

As the world shifts toward a more entrepreneurial and StartUp‑driven culture, learners need new skill sets—many of which are better developed through the independent learning styles encouraged by online education.

This shift also means that more employers will begin to recognise and value online qualifications, creating even greater opportunities for learners. Online provision is inherently more inclusive, giving students around the world direct access to top global universities without the financial or logistical burden of relocating.

For the AfroGlobal community, this is especially exciting. It opens the door to world‑class education that may previously have been inaccessible—more affordable, more flexible, and more empowering than ever before.