PRINCIPALS’ ADMINISTRATIVE COMPETENCE AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Joyce Uche Egwu, PhD, Ngozika Ijeoma Ekwe

Abstract


This study investigated the relationship between principals' administrative competence and students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined how principals’ leadership effectiveness, resource management skills, decision-making ability and communication skills correlates with students’ academic performance. The study was guided by four research questions and four null hypotheses. The correlational research design was adopted for the study, with a sample consisting of 52 SS 2 English Language teachers and 960 students from 20 selected public secondary schools in Awka and Nnewi Education Zones. Purposive sampling technique was employed which ensured the inclusion of schools with SS 2 English Language teachers and accessible academic performance records of SS 2 students in English Language. Data were collected using Principals’ Administrative Competence Questionnaire and students' academic performance records. Data were collected using structured questionnaires for principals and academic records for students. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the research questions, while simple linear regression analysis tested the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed significant positive relationship between principals’ administrative competence variables and students’ academic performance. Leadership effectiveness and decision-making ability showed the strongest correlation with academic performance, followed by communication skills and resource management skills. The study concluded that principals’ administrative competence is a critical determinant of students’ academic outcomes. The study recommended among others that principals should focus on improving their leadership effectiveness by setting clear academic goals, fostering a positive school culture and providing consistent support to teachers. This would help drive higher academic performance by promoting a collaborative and motivating environment.


Keywords


Administrative Competence, Academic Performance, Leadership Effectiveness, Resource Management

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