Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The role of principals in secondary schools is crucial for the overall effectiveness and success of educational institutions. This research project aims to evaluate the administrative effectiveness of principals in secondary schools in Nigeria. The study will focus on various aspects of principalship, including leadership styles, decision-making processes, communication strategies, and team building skills. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, data will be collected from multiple secondary schools across different regions in Nigeria. The research will explore the perceptions and experiences of teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders regarding the administrative effectiveness of principals. Surveys, interviews, and observations will be conducted to gather comprehensive data that can provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of principals in the Nigerian secondary school system. The study will also examine the impact of principal effectiveness on teacher morale, student performance, school culture, and overall organizational success. By identifying the key factors that contribute to effective principalship in Nigerian secondary schools, this research project aims to provide valuable recommendations for improving administrative practices and enhancing the quality of education in the country. The findings of the study can inform policy decisions, professional development programs, and leadership training initiatives for principals and aspiring school leaders. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a culture of excellence and accountability in school administration that can positively impact the lives of students and the community at large. The research project is significant because it addresses an important gap in the existing literature on educational leadership in Nigeria. While there have been studies on principal effectiveness in other countries, there is a need for more research specifically focused on the Nigerian context. By conducting this study, valuable insights can be gained that are relevant to the unique challenges and opportunities facing secondary schools in Nigeria. Overall, this research project has the potential to contribute to the advancement of educational leadership theory and practice in Nigeria. By evaluating the administrative effectiveness of principals in secondary schools, the study aims to promote continuous improvement and innovation in school management, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students and the education system as a whole.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Secondary education’s general goals of concocting people for suitable living in the society and for higher education have made it imperious that it should, among others, supply trained manpower in the applied science, technology and commerce at sub-professional levels; inspire its students with the desire for self-improvement and achievement of excellence; raise a generation of people who can think for themselves, respect the views and feelings of others; and respect the dignity of labour (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004). One major step in the achievement of these goals is the enrolment of students into secondary schools where they are exposed to experiences necessary to achieve these objectives…

Statement of the Problem

It has been observed by some scholars that many principals in Anambra State do not devote much time and effort in planning of school activities as evidenced by hasty organization of programmes such as teachers’ forum and Parents Teachers Association meetings. Incidence of role conflicts, duplication of functions and general lack of direction in task performance have also been reported (Onuh, 2008; Egboka, 2008). With these problems, wastages in the use of resources, poor academic performance of students and poor Parents Teachers Association involvement in school administration are likely to persist.

Incidentally, selection of principals based on teaching experience and not on administrative qualification has been alleged to contribute to the inefficiency and lapses found in the secondary schools. Some scholars contend that several teachers that were promoted to principals were later regarded as incompetent principals they lacked the required skills to carry duties relevant to their post. Areas they were found have deficit in skill were in working with high officials (State School Board or Ministry of Education) and in dealing with student body. These result in administrative problems (Obilade, 1986; Arikewuyo, 2009). The Nationwide diagnosis of Nigerian education sector also showed that greater proportion of secondary school principals do not have the necessary administrative strategies/tools such as vision and mission

statement, code of conduct for students (rules and regulations), year activity calendar, code of conduct for teachers, school strategic plans, in-house teacher’s development activities and students’ target setting (Federal Ministry of Education, 2005).

These situations could be as a result of the principals’ lack of competencies needed to carry out administrative responsibilities, or that they do not apply the acquired competencies. In view of these, this work is interested in identifying competencies that are essential for administrative effectiveness and examining the extent secondary school principals possess and apply the identified essential competencies.

Purpose of the study

This study aimed at identifying essential competencies and examining secondary school principals’ administrative effectiveness in Anambra State. Specifically, the study was concerned with:

1. identifying the competencies considered to be essential for principals’ administrative effectiveness

examining the extent school principals possess the identified essential competencies
ascertaining the extent school principals apply the identified essential competencies.
identifying likely factors that affect principals’ application of the competencies.
finding out whether discrepancies exist between principals’ possession and application of the identified competencies essential for administrative effectiveness.