Digital divides and learning outcomes in online education efficacy for bridging socioeconomic gaps in Delta Central Senatorial District during COVID19

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a sudden transition to remote learning, magnifying longstanding digital inequities, particularly in low-resource educational contexts. This study examines the impact of digital disparities on teaching effectiveness and learning continuity in Delta Central Senatorial District, Nigeria, during COVID-19 school closures. Adopting a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 200 secondary school teachers using a validated questionnaire structured around key dimensions of digital access, pedagogical readiness, and policy infrastructure. Results revealed significant limitations in internet connectivity and electricity reliability, with rural teachers disproportionately affected. Teachers who received prior training in digital instruction demonstrated higher levels of confidence and adaptability. Alternative instructional modalities—such as radio broadcasts, printed handouts, and community study groups—were broadly endorsed as effective stopgap solutions. Statistically significant differences in digital access were observed between urban and rural schools (p < .001), reinforcing the presence of a geographic digital divide. Participants expressed strong support for comprehensive policy reforms and infrastructure improvements to enhance future educational preparedness. Grounded in Van Dijk’s (2020) Theory of Digital Access, the study highlights the layered nature of digital exclusion, encompassing material, skill-based, and motivational barriers. The findings underscore the necessity for equity-focused digital education strategies, targeted teacher training, and sustainable hybrid learning models in post-pandemic recovery planning. This research contributes to global discourse on digital transformation in education by offering context-specific insights from sub-Saharan Africa, with implications for scalable, inclusive, and resilient educational reform.