Learning experiences, preference and perception of undergraduate pharmacy students in Nigeria

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic that ravaged the world led to shutting down of schools and higher institutions of learning and the adoption of virtual method of learning. This study assessed the virtual learning experiences, preference, and perception of undergraduate pharmacy students in Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on pharmacy students at University of Nigeria, Nsukka using a convenient sampling method with the aid of a four (4) sectioned structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive analyses were computed. Chi-square was used for inferential analysis. p-value was set at p < 0.05. Results: About 476 (58.5%) were females while 541(66.5%) were between 18-24 years. About 657(80.7%) pay for internet out of their pockets while 649 (79.7%) did not save time during the virtual learning. The majority 709 (87.1%) preferred classroom learning method. About 59.6% of the students had negative perception of virtual learning, 77.80% had low preparedness while 22.20% had high preparedness for virtual learning. Conclusion: The pharmacy students experienced lower learning satisfaction and more difficult communication with the instructors and their peers during virtual learning. They had negative perception of virtual learning and extremely low preparedness for virtual learning; they preferred the classroom learning method.