Public Relations Strategies in the Management of Tertiary Institutions in Post COVID-19 Nigeria

Abstract

The eruption of a global pandemic in the end of  2019 known as the coronavirus or COVID-19 and its containment measures, including prolonged economic lockdown have affected all sectors of the economy around the world, including Nigeria. The education sector in particular was badly affected by the pandemic due to physical closure of schools even though online learning was adopted in some schools during the period. However, the reopening of the schools for academic activities has placed a heavy burden on school administrators in the management of the reopening process.  Interestingly, Public Relations, which is part of organizational management is expected to play very crucial role in successful reopening and quick recovery of the sector from the pandemic; hence, this study became necessary to investigate the public relations strategies in the management of the tertiary institutions in the post period of this pandemic in Nigeria. Anchored on the Stakeholders and Excellence Theories of Public Relations practice, the researchers made use of secondary sources to obtain data for the study. Thematic qualitative method was used in analysis of the data that were obtained in the study.  Through the data analysed, there was sufficient evidence on the way the coronavirus pandemic has affected the education sector the world over in general and Nigeria in particular. The study has also shown the public relations strategies relevant to engage stakeholders in  safe schools’ reopening plans; target resources to where they are most needed; get children back to school confidently; make  school environments safe; and quick recovery  of lost learning activities among others. While this study acknowledged through its conclusion, the indisputable centrality of public relations in effective management of schools’ reopening and recovery process in the post Covid-19 period, it observed unfortunate challenges that are in the practice among schools which can disrupt the achievement of the desired success in the reopening and recovery process.