EXTENT OF PRINCIPALS’ IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY CARE, SAFETY AND CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the extent of principals’ implementation of quality care, safety and conducive
learning environment in the administration of secondary schools in Anambra State. Two specific
purposes, two research questions, and two hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research
design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 5,515 and a sample of 1,300 was
drawn from the population using stage sampling procedure. A 19 item questionnaire developed by the
researchers titled “Principals’ Quality Care and Safety Questionnaire” (PQCSQ) which was validated
by three experts was used for data collection. The internal consistency of the instrument was ascertained
using Cronbach’s Alpha and this yielded reliability coefficient of 0.81 and 0.86 for two sections of the
questionnaire. Mean was used to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the
hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. The findings revealed that Principals to a high extent, ensure that
quality care and safety are provided and that school environment is conducive for learning in public
secondary schools in Anambra State. Principals and teachers however, differ significantly in their mean
ratings of the extent principals ensure provision of quality care and safety, and conducive school
environment. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended among others that principals of
secondary schools should always ensure that the provision of quality care and safety is paramount in
the school. They should also make available basic tools for promoting health and safety as well as
ensure teaching of safety and security skills to staff and students in the school.