OBJECTIVE: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has thrown the world into panic as the pandemic continues to spread. The World Health Organization has maintained a close partnership with the governments of the world to design a global strategy against the spread of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study aims to assess the knowledge of Nigerians about COVID-19 and measure the level of adherence to the prevention guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a selected portion of the populace, and we designed questions that would reflect a holistic fulfillment of our aims.

RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-seven Nigerians participated in the study with a mean knowledge score of 6 out of 9, which was majorly gained through the media (45.2%). The modal age bracket of participants was between ages 18 to 30, with 86% of them being educated to at least the university level. Only 4.8% of the respondents lived in rural areas, and most (79.5%) lived in the Southwestern part of the country. 12% of the respondents thought the virus was not real, 80.8% did not personally know anyone who had the virus, but that did not stop a majority percentage of 63.8% from observing social distancing rules.

CONCLUSIONS: In general, the study indicated a good level of knowledge about COVID-19 among the respondents, and satisfactory adherence to the prevention guidelines of wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing. The media, religious leaders, and the government have helped ensure the health and safety of the citizens, especially during the pandemic.