ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE PERFORMANCE OF PRINCIPALS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH-WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1         Background to the Study

Secondary education system in Nigeria is charged with setting standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by teachers and reviewing the standards from time to time. It ensures the application of the curriculum at school through supervision and inspection exercises. In addition to that, it prescribes methods of testing the students at the end of their training so as to ensure quality products. It also initiates and promotes researches. It formulates policies for secondary education and practice in the country.

The principals of secondary schools are the custodians of secondary education. They ensure the implementation of all the programmes developed through the National Policy on Education. The roles of the principals of secondary schools are therefore, not different from the roles of heads of other educational institutions. The role performance of the principals of secondary schools should include interpreting policy, executing curriculum programme, seeing to students and staff welfare, Also maintenance of equipments, physical facilities and training of staff, maintaining effective school community relations, interpersonal relationship, record management, communication, decision-making process and several others are required of the principals that will effectively lead to influence commitment and effectiveness.

The principal being the Chief Executive of the school should ensure that the policies and objectives, regarding the programme of the school are implemented and strictly adhered to. He/she also has the responsibility of promoting effective teaching and learning in the school. He must ensure that his employer appoints qualified and

1

competent teachers to the school. It is part of the principal‟s duty to orientate new staff members to school life. The information provided would help the new staff to adjust to the new environment, and make the work easier to accomplish.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE PERFORMANCE OF PRINCIPALS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH-WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE, NIGERIA