APPLICATION OF PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOGI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the application of principals’ leadership characteristics in the administration of secondary schools in Kogi State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The design adopted for this study was descriptive 
survey. The population comprised two hundred and twenty-two (222) public secondary schools in Kogi state having 222 principals. A sample size of 100 principals was drawn using simple random sampling technique representing 45% of the population. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire titled ‘application of principals’ leadership characteristics questionnaire (APLCQ)’. The questionnaire was face-validated and the reliability was done using Cronbach Alpha Statistics, which yielded an index of 0.86. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The t-test statistics was used to test the null 
hypotheses. The findings revealed among others that, the leadership characteristics of principals needed in the administration of secondary schools in Kogi state include: good decision-making practices, clear vision, good leadership qualities, 
being an excellent listener, following proper time management practice, exercise tolerance for ambiguity, work cooperatively with staff, be a bridge builder, and possess the characteristics of leading by example. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that, secondary school principals should possess and acquire good leadership attributes to sustain the administration of their schools for global competitiveness.