UNIZIK Journal of Educational Management and Policy

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION THROUGH STUDENTS’ HEALTH AND WELFARE MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwu, Dr. Obinna Anachuna — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Management of students’ health and welfare is central to improving the quality of education. There are
noticeable signs of poor students’ health and welfare services across public and private secondary
schools in Anambra state. This prompted the study to comparatively analyze the health and welfare
practices of principals in public and private secondary schools in Anambra state. Two research questions
guided the study and two hypotheses were tested. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for
the study. The population of the study comprised all the 657 public and private secondary school
principals in Anambra state. No sampling was done due to the relatively small size of the population of
the study. A 18-item questionnaire titled ‘‘Questionnaire for Health and Welfare Practices of Principals’
in Public and Private Secondary Schools (QHWPP)”was the instrument for data collection. The
instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts from Faculty of Education, Nnamdi
Azikiwe University. Cronbach alpha method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. The
overall coefficient of 0.91 was obtained. The researchers together with the help of six research assistants
collected the data for the study. Mean was used to answer the research questions, while z-test was used
to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study among others revealed
that Private secondary schools principals in Anambra state adopt and engage in students’ health
management practices more than their public secondary schools counterparts. Based on the findings it
was recommended among others that Physical and health education teachers in public secondary
schools should be encouraged by their principals to increase their level of commitment in inculcating
in their students, a positive health awareness attitude with a view to reducing the incidence of diseases.

Challenges Facing Female Teachers as Leaders in Nigerian Public Secondary Schools: A Systematic Narrative of Literature

Anthony Ajala — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study examined the challenges facing female teachers in becoming leaders in Nigeria. The primary purpose was to investigate how much women participate in tertiary education in Nigeria as leaders, secondly, the barriers to women’s career progress in secondary school leadership in Nigeria, and thirdly, to determine the methods and, or policies that can be employed to end the underrepresentation of women in positions of leadership in Nigeria's secondary schools. The review of systematic narrative of literature was adopted. The findings revealed that there were societal solutions, organisational solutions, as well as the implications for principals and government. For the societal solutions, the past two to three decades have witnessed increased but not sufficient enrolment of the women population in secondary school education. However, a closer analysis of secondary education statistics reveals the different nature of the problem in different historical and cultural contexts. Women have to navigate cultural conventions and beliefs, in order to develop their own leadership styles and seek professions in education. The attitudes of the instructors and community people toward women in leadership were progressively altered by these women leaders as well. A number of cultural barriers still exist in Nigerian society as explored in findings-one, which seriously impedes women’s development as citizens and professionals, especially within secondary school education. For Organisational solutions, the prevalence of instructional leadership promotes male-dominated autocratic leadership styles which are not inclusive of diversity, such as gender differences. Principals will need to consider developing women leaders to modify instructional leadership and bring about something closer to a distributed leadership style which brings out the best in male and female leaders. The study concluded that principals in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa must have a thorough awareness of the socioeconomic and cultural problems that pose obstacles to women's advancement in leadership. This awareness is necessary for teachers to promote equality.

RETHINKING MONITORY AND EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA IN THE NEW NORMAL

Paul Okeke — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This paper examined the need to rethink the monitoring and evaluation of university education in Nigeria in the new normal. Information for the paper were sourced through secondary data, mainly on the interruption of the university education during and after COVID-19 pandemic learning adoptions. The paper discussed the following concepts as related to the article; The concept of monitory and evaluation, The need for remote learning in the universities in the new normal, Opportunities applicable to integration of remote learning in the new normal, The drive towards tech for monitoring and evaluation in higher institutions in the new normal, A blended approach to monitoring and evaluation of university education in the new normal and what next in monitoring and evaluation of university education. The paper concluded that for effective monitoring and evaluation of university education to take place in the new normal, teachers and students must keep themselves abreast of online teaching and learning technology to engage students in electronic education, this would increase their competence on digital knowledge and skills to master how to apply them in their learning process in the face of unexpected physical learning disruptions.

Parenting Styles and Quality of Life among Students in Public Secondary Schools in Eastern Uganda

Kamonges Wahab Asad, Prof. Airat Sulaiman, Ass. Prof. Matovu Musa — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study investigated the influence of Parenting styles on the quality of life among students in public secondary schools, Eastern Uganda. The study sought to examine the extent to which Parenting styles influence the students’ quality of life. The study used a correlational research design. A sample size of 368 students were selected from a target population of 9,143 using simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used for data collection. It was hypothesized that; There is no statistically significant influence of parenting styles on the quality of life among students in public secondary schools. The findings of the study show that parenting styles alone explains 3.5% of the variations in the outcome variable (students’ quality of life). It was concluded that, there was a high influence of authoritative parenting style, low influence of authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and very low influence of neglectful parenting style on the students’ quality of life in secondary schools in Eastern Uganda. Secondary school students experienced a high level of general life satisfaction quality of life domain and a high level of physical health quality of life domain and experienced lower levels of quality of life in the home environment quality of life domain, and lower levels of quality of life in the psychological well-being quality of life domain. It was recommended that parents adopt the authoritative parenting style as it facilitates good quality of life of students as they pursue their education endeavors and the school administrators to organize an awareness and sensitization workshops on the influence of the home environment on the quality of life of students as well as educating families regarding awareness on the parenting styles and the quality of life of students in secondary school. The school counsellors based on this result are urged to continue providing the psychological support that students would need at any given point in time for them to remain focused on their goals.

ENHANCEMENT OF PRINCIPALS’ RELATIONSHIP WITH SCHOOL BASED MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (SBMC) IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH EAST REGION OF NIGERIA

Ndidi Gloria Onyilibe , Prof. Emenike OBI — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The researchers examined enhancement of principals’ relationship with school based management committee (SBMC) in public secondary schools in the South-East Region of Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study and two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study is 19,880 which comprised of 994 principals and 18,886 SBMC in the South-East Region of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to draw 2,239 respondents for the sample of the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts while the reliability of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach Alpha method and it yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.89 and 0.79 for clusters I and II respectively and the overall coefficient of the entire instrument was 1.68. The researcher together with five research assistants collected data for the study. A 95% return rate of the instrument administered was recorded. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed, among others, that principals’ relationship with SBMC in promoting awareness on benefits of education in the South-East was to a high extent. It was also revealed that principals’ relationship with SBMC in data collection for monitoring and evaluation in public secondary schools in the South-East was also to a high extent. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that principals and members of SBMC should launch media campaigns through television, radio, social media and print. Use compelling stories, testimonials, infographics and success stories to showcase the transformative power of education.

CHALLENGES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SCHOOL SECURITY: EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT AS THE RESCUE

REV. SR. DR. OGOCHUKWU H. NWOSU — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study provided insights into the concept of education-educational management good governance and school security in secondary schools including the challenges associated with good governance and school security etc. The paper discussed the three basic component of educational management such as planning, implementation and controlling and application to check challenges of good governance and school security. Highlighted along with challenges to school security. The paper concluded that educational management is a powerful tool that can be deployed to bring about good governance in our school system and our nation at large. Moreover, educational management can further be applied to improve the security situation in our schools. It was recommended that school principals should deploy all the available educational management strategies to ensure good governance and effective school security for the overall growth and development of our educational system.

Comparative Analysis of Principals’ Cost Management Practices for Administrative Effectiveness of Public and Private Secondary Schools in Awka Education Zone

Prof. Patience N. Egboka , Ukamaka T. Okoye — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study compared cost management practices adopted by principals of public and private secondary schools for administrative effectiveness in Awka Education Zone. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 171 respondents made up of 64 principals of public secondary schools and 107 principals of private secondary schools in Awka Education Zone. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 85 respondents; 32 public and 53 private secondary school principals in Awka Education Zone. A researcher- developed instrument titled "Principals’ Cost Management Practices Questionnaire (PCMPQ)" was used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts, one in the Department of Educational Foundation and two in the Department of Educational Management and Policy both in the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question and t-test was used to test the hypothesis at .05 alpha level. The findings of the study revealed among others that similar budgetary control practices are adopted by principals of public and private secondary schools for administrative effectiveness in Awka Education Zone. Further results showed that there was no significant difference in the mean ratings of public and private secondary school principals on budgetary control practices they adopt for administrative effectiveness in Awka Education Zone. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendation was made: Principals should establish internal audit unit to assist in periodic independent, unbiased, accurate and objective appraisals of financial transactions and activities within their respective schools.

FUNDING UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Ugochukwu Ifeyinwa Offor, Patricia Ego Nwaru — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined Funding University Education for Sustainable Development in South-East Nigeria: Implication for Societal Development. Two research questions guided the study; descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 23000 lecturers from 10 public universities in South-East Nigeria. The sample comprises of 1000 lecturers from 5 universities. The sample was composed using the simple random sampling and purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using mean. Findings of the study revealed that poor funding of university education in south-east Nigeria could lead to no practical and laboratory sessions, little number of field works, non-sponsorship of lecturers for academic conferences, little or no appointment of new lecturers, reduction in study grants, loss of variety in research and teachings, closing down of schools, loss of autonomy, increased administrative burdens and poor infrastructure, poor staff working conditions, poor salaries and rewards, brain drain, incessant strike actions, lecture boycotts, enlarged student teacher ratio, overcrowded classes, poor quality teaching , corruption on the side of the lecturers, and other negatives. It was also found that poor funding of university education could be ameliorated through privatization of university education, donations from private bodies, increased government budget for education, granting universities autonomy to source their own funds, aids, grants from international bodies and Non-Governmental Bodies, and scholarship for outstanding students and lecturers. The study recommends that Nigeria government must urgently work towards meeting the recommended UNESCO 26% budgetary allocation for education in the United Nations and as well increases its Tertiary Education Trust Fund for universities in the country.

BUDGETING PRACTICES REQUIRED BY PRINCIPALS FOR EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, IN ANAMBRA STATE.

Prof. Emenike OBI , Ifeoma Edith Michael — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study ascertained budgeting practices required by principals for effective administration of secondary schools in Anambra State. One research question guided the study and one null hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Description survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 528 respondents made up of 266 principals and 261 bursars of public secondary schools in Anambra State. Stratified random sample technique was used to draw out 260 respondents made up of 130 principals and 130 bursars. Self-constructed instrument titled 'Principals’ Budgeting Practices Questionnaire (PBPQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts. To ensure reliability of the instrument, data obtained were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha method. The reliability co-efficient value of 0.78 was obtained. The researcher administered 260 copies of the questionnaire on the respondents with the help of five research assistants. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed among others that the budgeting practices required by principals for effective administration of secondary schools included; ensuring that stock taking was made before budget, making market survey before budget preparation, preparing budget singlehandedly and adhering to the official fiscal calendar in the budget planning. The study also revealed that there was no significant difference in the mean ratings of Principals and Bursars on the budgeting practices adopted by principals for effective administration of secondary schools in Anambra State. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that seminars, conferences and workshops on budgeting practices should be made compulsory for secondary school principals and school bursars by the Anambra State Ministry of Education to enhance their skills in budgeting for effective administration of the public secondary schools in Anambra State.

Cyber Security in the Era of Digitalization: Implications for Educational Management

Rev. Fr. Dr. Innocent Igbokwe — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

As educational institutions embrace digital transformation, the integration of technology in educational management has introduced both opportunities and challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is ensuring cyber security. This research paper explores the implications of cyber security in educational management amidst the era of digitalization. The paper discusses the various cyber threats faced by educational institutions, the impact of these threats on educational management, the strategies that can be employed to enhance cyber security and other best practices to mitigate risks.

EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT: A TOOL TO CURB THE MENACE OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Dr. Ngozi Ogogor, Uche Nwokobia — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Trafficking In Persons (TIP) is an illegal transaction that involve giving or receiving payment
over a person for the purpose of exploiting the person and coercing or forcing the person into perpetual
servitude. It is a negative phenomenon, a violation of fundamental human rights as well as a danger to
the whole society. This is an era where human beings are being traded like goods, therefore the society,
especially the young ones and women who are mostly victims, need to be aware of this vicious act
through proper management of education that will enlighten them so that they will not fall victims to
the menace of TIP. It is to this effect that this chapter explored the curbing of the menace of trafficking
in personsthrough educational management.