IMPACT OF PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES ON TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The development of Western Education in Nigeria cannot be treated in isolation from traditional forms of education. In Kwara State, for instance, traditional education was a way of life before the advent of Western Education introduced by the Missionaries and Colonial Administration. Therefore, this formal education as embraced by the state requires more effectiveness in the leadership handling of the school heads to enable it serve as bedrock for further socio-economic development.

Kwara State was created on 27^th May, 1967 when the Military Government led by General Yakubu Gowon broke the four regions that then constituted the federation of Nigeria into 12 states. At its creation, the state was made up of the former Ilorin and Kabba provinces of the then Northern Region and was initially named the West Central State but later changed to “Kwara”, a local name for the River Niger. Kwara State has since 1976 reduced considerably in size as a result of further state creation exercises in Nigeria. On 13^th February, 1976 the Idah/Dekina part of the state was carved out and merged with a part of the then Benue/Plateau State to form Benue State. On 27^th August, 1991 five local government areas, namely Oyi, Yagba, Okene, Okehi and Kogi were also excised to form part of the new Kogi State, while a sixth, Borgu Local Government Area, was merged with Niger State. Presently, Kwara State consists of 16 local government areas (that is, Asa, Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Pategi) and Ilorin as the capital. The capital city of Ilorin is situated 306km inland from the coastal city of Lagos and 5OOkm from the Federal Capital, Abuja. Ilorin metropolis covers three local government areas, namely; (Ilorin South with headquarters at Fufu; Ilorin East with headquarters at Okeoyi; and Ilorin West.

IMPACT OF PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES ON TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA