SHAREHOLDERS’ DISCERNMENTS ON THE ROLE PERFORMANCE OF PRINCIPALS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAKURDI CITY, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study is on the Perceptions of Stakeholders on the Role Performance of Principals in the Management of Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The study was conducted with six objectives among which were to: find out the role performance of principals on interpersonal relationship, decision making and communication in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. In line with the stated objectives, six corresponding research questions were raised and six null hypotheses were formulated for the study. The study adopted survey research design. The overall population consisted of 98 principals, 2,312 secondary school teachers and 12 supervisors. A sample size of 29 principals, 694 teachers and 12 supervisors from Makurdi metropolis was used. This sample size was arrived at using cluster sampling technique. Data for the study were collected through the administration of questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was determined by given two experts who determined whether the items were well structured in line with the hypotheses and whether they would elicite the required information. The data collected from the pilot study were statistically analyzed for the purpose of determining the reliability coefficient. The bio-data information of the respondents were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Also, all the six null hypotheses were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05% level of significance. Findings of the study revealed among others that Principals’ did not perform their roles on interpersonal relationship in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. Likewise, Principals performed their roles on decision making process in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. Also, Principals did not perform their roles on communication in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. Recommendations were made among others that principals should endeavor to improve in their interpersonal relationship with other stakeholders in the school system in private secondary schools. Also, that principal should involve various interest groups (stakeholders) in decision making process and also seminars on the need for effective communication should be organized for principals in private secondary schools in Benue State, Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

            1.1       Background to the Study

Education is a major tool for individual empowerment and National development. A National educational system is vital because it produces the personnel that are required to function in various facets of national life and development process. Gray (2001), notes that the goals of wealth creation, employment generation, poverty reduction and value reorientation can be effectively pursued, attained and sustained only through an efficient, relevant and functional education system. No nation develop beyond her standard of education, hence it has been accorded a high rating in Nigeria. The demand for education is popular because of the desire of members of the society to give their children a better chance in life. The demand for education has become explosive and which no government can afford to ignore.

Quality education at all levels; primary, secondary and tertiary, is desired of all Nigerians. At the secondary level, quality education is absolutely necessary because it serves as the foundation for tertiary level and for people to provide self employment if they cannot continue with the tertiary level. If that basic foundation is weak it will lead to national catastrophe as progress in the society becomes very difficult. Hence all concerned with secondary education should make their best input in order to ensure that a very solid foundation is laid. One may ask what comprises quality education at the secondary level. It is education capable of achieving the general secondary education objectives as listed in the National Policy on Education (FGN, 2013). The broad goals of secondary education shall be to prepare the individual for: (a) useful living within the society; and (b) higher education.

In specific term, secondary education shall: Provide all primary school leavers with the opportunity for education of a higher level irrespective of sex, social status, religions or ethnic background; offer diversified curriculum to cater for the differences in talents, opportunities and future roles; Provide trained manpower in the applied science technology and commerce at sub-professional grades; Develop and promote

Nigeria languages, art and culture in the context of world’s cultural heritage; Inspire students with a desire for self improvement and achievement of excellence; Foster national unity with emphasis on the common ties that unite us in our diversity; Raise a generation of people who can think for themselves, respect the view and feelings of others, respect the dignity of labour, appreciate those values specified under our broad national goals and live as good citizens; Provide technical knowledge and vocational skills necessary for agricultural, industrial, commercial and economic development.

Secondary school is an institution or human industry established for refining human beings in terms of skills, behaviour and all round excellence. To achieve objectives, an efficient and effective administrator must head such an institution. In secondary schools, be it public or private the manager is generally regarded as the principal and in Nigeria he heads the institution. Such personnel is supposed to have a proven quality and the knowledge to achieve his administrative roles. The private secondary schools in this regard are owned by private individuals and organizations headed by principals. The establishment of private schools in Nigeria dated back to the era of missionary activities in Nigeria. Missionary schools were later taken over by government. Private secondary schools came into Nigerian educational system in the early 1930s (Ukeje, Akabogu & Ndu, 1992). A new set of private secondary schools came into existence in the educational system in 1970s following the takeover of schools by the different state governments in Nigeria from the original owners. School takeover was necessary in order to create uniform standards, enhance fair distribution of educational facilities (Ukeje et al, 1992). Another set of private secondary schools came on board in 1990s. These were very elitist schools which drew students from high income families (Etuk, 2005).

Principals are the custodians and accounting officers of their various schools. Tabotrdip (2005) stated that they undertake all routine activities to accomplish numerous administrative tasks as leaders towards achieving educational objectives for posterity. The principal of a school is the main administrator/overseer of that organization (Okonkwo, 2011). The success or failure of the school depends on his administrative effectiveness. The principal has formal responsibilities for management and implementation of educational goals and priorities that are the basis for on-going programme of school improvement and professional development (FGN, 2013).

If the position of the principal is such an important one, he is expected to posses a number of qualities facilitative of school work. Odo (2005) stated that, among other qualities, the following are expected of the principal: commitment, drive, energy, vision, common sense and mental alertness. Peters (1996) stated that the principal should be wise and capable of moral leadership. Okam (2002), in an extensive discussion of the qualities of a school head named the following characteristics as necessary; self-discipline, firmness and fairness, persuasiveness, flexibility, patience, self-control and tactfulness. In addition, the principal should be academic and professionally competent.

With a clear understanding of whom the principal is, the importance of that office, and the qualities expected of any occupant of the office, as well as the objectives of secondary education in Nigeria, it should be a lot easy to understand the role of the principal in bringing about high quality education in the secondary school. It may be helpful to start by stating what roles the principal is expected to play; they play roles of definition of goals and purposes; organization of the school; staff development; curriculum development and instruction; discipline; school community relations; provision and maintenance of facilities and equipment; guidance and counselling; financial matters; and evaluation (Ameh, 2012, p. 3).

What role is then envisaged of the principal that will help to bring about quality education in the secondary school? The role proposed is that of leader. This proposal implies that the principal should be both an administrator and a leader two in one. This view may be readily acceptable to Nwachukwu (2009) who summarized the role of the principal as managerial leadership and instructional leadership. According to Ozigi

(1997:3) an administrator “can be described as an individual who directs the affairs of an organization in such a way as to achieve its primary goals and objectives, and who can get things done quickly and efficiently”. The principal fits well into this description. Hence, he is an administrator. However, the principals’ responsibilities are more than those of administrators. They include those of a leader, a good administrator may not necessarily poses the qualities of a leader; however, a principal needs those qualities in order to perform his roles optimally.

Thus, the role of principal in bringing about high quality education in the secondary school is that of a leader. In playing this role, the principal directs tremendous energy towards the achievement of the school goals and objectives; and in order to achieve the school goals and objectives; he discharges the above specific duties. Principal’s roles especially on decision-making are crucial in schools management. Supervision as one of their duties is imperative for their decision-making. Supervision is concern with encouraging the members of a work unit to contribute positively toward accomplishing the organizational goals and objective. Effective principals are those who endorse a notable vision. They are able to stress the prospect of a high achieving school and to encourage their school community to buy into that vision through good school-community relationship.

The principals set up and communicate clear objectives and encourage the school continually toward attaining these objectives. One of the more critical communication roles of principals is interacting with students and parents. Most school leaders understand that while they help establish the school’s vision, they must also promote an environment that allows teachers to make decisions conducive to ownership in the vision. The school principal ensures proper employment, placement, motivation, welfare and professional growth of the staff under his administration. He assigns specific duties to each, supervises them while discharging their duties, improves and evaluates all staff members. The principal gives inspiration and assistance by advising, motivating, instructing and guiding all members of staff, particularly the new inexperienced young workers.

With regard to the old and experiences, it is his responsibility to give and develop opportunities to enable them to participate in the policy-making process in the planning of programmes and in implementing agreed decisions within the school. When such a condition prevails, the principal is able to develop a healthy relationship between himself and member of his staff. This would bring about contented, happy and dedicated members of staff who could learn to live and work together for the achievement of aims and objectives of the school in serving the larger society. The principal’s role in communication is very important because they communicate high discipline expectations for individual teacher which in turn can bring about positive changes and proper maintenance of discipline in the school. In view of this background, this study will be carried out to assess stakeholders’ perceptions on the role performance of principals in the management of private secondary schools in Makurdi

Metropolis, Benue state, Nigeria.

            1.2       Statement of the Problem

Over the years successive governments in Nigeria have made efforts towards the effective management of human resources in educational institutions. However, certain challenges still persist with staff training and development, teachers’ workload, performance evaluation, supervision of instruction, conditions of service, staff turnover and motivation, disciplinary problems among students and teachers, promotion policies and so on. To adequately handle the forgoing challenges, efforts should be geared towards the effective management of staff and students in secondary schools (Osagie & Okafor, 2012). The importance of human resources management has been stated but there is no much information on its relationship with the academic performance of students in secondary schools. The researcher is of the opinion that high academic performance is one of the objectives of establishing private secondary education in Nigeria. Previous research findings by Nkwoh (2011) have shown that for these secondary schools to achieve high performance in the public examinations, they must recruit qualified teachers, they should secure modern buildings, adequate facilities and equipment should be provided to enhance teaching and learning while supervision of teaching should carried out for quality control.

Education is the vehicle on which the wheel of national development revolves. It therefore, requires careful planning in both the national, state and local levels. Proper education also hinges upon effective classroom management, statutory school administration and management through the activities of principals, teachers, parents and students at large. To this end, improvement can be guaranteed if the right caliber of principal with the right type of educational qualification and experience trait of leadership is appointed. They are capable of moving the school forward with the task of school management and administration to eliminate the falling standard of students’ performance and hence achieve greater goals of national policy on education.

Principals’ efforts towards achieving their goals is met with various constraints such as inadequate funding, insufficient school facilities (both physical and material) high level of manpower to define the goals and purpose of education, poor school organization, disciplinary problems, school community relationship, staff development, curriculum development and instruction, guidance and counseling services and evaluation of school programmes and activities. To carry out a research, it is a general notion that problems exist, this research is therefore to investigate the stakeholders’ perception of the role performances of principals in the management of private secondary schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

The problems of this study are; the role performance of principals in interpersonal relationship, poor decision making process, poor communication among his subordinates, ineffective staff development programme, lack of school discipline maintenance and coordinated school-community relationship to achieve educational goals and achieve greater height for the nation. This study therefore, seeks to find solutions that principals can use to perform his roles in meeting the defined National

Educational goals in enhancing teaching and learning in private secondary schools in

Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.

            1.3       Objectives of the Study

The study attempted to achieve the following objectives:

• find out the role performance of principals on interpersonal relationship in

Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;

• determine the principals’ role performances on decision making process in

Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;

• examine the principals’ role performance on communication in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;
• find out the principals’ role performance on staff development in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;
• assess the role performance of principals on maintenance of discipline in

Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State; and

• determine the principals’ role performances on school-community

relationship in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue

State.

            1.4        Research Questions

The study is guided by the following research questions:

1. How do principals perform on interpersonal relationship in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State?
2. How do principals perform on decision making process in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State?
3. How do principals perform on communication in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State?
4. How do principals perform on staff development in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State?
5. How do principals perform on maintenance of discipline in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State?
6. How do principals perform on school-community relationship in Private

Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State?

            1.5       Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were formulated for the study:-

1. There is no significant difference in the opinions of principals, teachers and supervisors on interpersonal relationship in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.
2. There is no significant difference in the opinions of principals, teachers and supervisors on decision making process in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.
3. There is no significant difference in the opinions of principals, teachers and supervisors on communication in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.
4. There is no significant difference in the opinions of principals, teachers and supervisors on staff development in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.
5. There is no significant difference in the opinions of principals, teachers and supervisors on maintenance of discipline in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.
6. There is no significant difference in the opinions of principals, teachers and supervisors on school-community relationship in Private Secondary Schools in

Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.

            1.6        Basic Assumptions

For the purpose of this study, it is assumed that

1. there is better interpersonal relationship among principals’ in Private Secondary

Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;

2. the principals’ role performances on decision making process have influence on Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;
3. principals’ role performance on communication have impact in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;
4. principals’ role performance on staff development have impact on the Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State;
5. the role performances of principals’ on maintenance of discipline are very proper in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State; and
6. the principals, role performances on school-community relationship have impact in Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.

            1.7       Significance of the Study

The roles of the principals in the education of our children as leaders of tomorrow is unquestionable and have a far reaching consequences on the tone and general climate of the school administration/management.

It is expected that students, teachers and principals will understand the common roles of good principals, and the need for effective application of the roles.

The findings of the study will be of use to the Ministry of Education in realizing the important roles of the school principals in school administration. Likewise, it will help them formulate policies and make decisions regarding stakeholders and principals of secondary schools especially the private ones.

The study when completed will enhance the efforts of the Parent Teachers’ Association to checkmate the excesses of principals in private setting and help their children to have greater learning for great national building. Again, the study will give parents self appraisal as to their efforts with the school authority towards proper quality education to improve learning and administration.

Expectantly, the findings of the study shall assist the school managers to adjust positively; discovering the enormous task confronting them as parent’s teachers, leaders, supervisors, and stakeholders. It will help to see the need for a close communication relationship as it affects the desired goals of the organizations. Of course, it will inspire teachers who may aspire to leadership positions to identify the need for professionalism and go for further studies.

It is hoped that if the findings of the research are utilized they will contribute to mutual understanding between stakeholders and principals of Private Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State and any other part of this country and the world at large.

Finally, it will serve as reference material to those who may wish to carry out further research.

            1.8       Scope of the Study

This study was carried out to assess the stakeholders’ perception of the role performance of principals in the management of private secondary schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue state, Nigeria. The study will be limited to some selected private secondary schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. The variables of the study include interpersonal relationship; decision making; communication; staff development; maintenance of discipline; and school-community relationship.

SHAREHOLDERS’ DISCERNMENTS ON THE ROLE PERFORMANCE OF PRINCIPALS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAKURDI CITY, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

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