PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS AND CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Leadership has become more complex than ever before. This is as a result ofthe complexity of present social, economic, political, industrial and above all fast technological advancement. Studies on efficient and effective leadership in educational sector have continued to emphasize the important functions school principals play in establishing and sustaining education in Nigerian schools. It is on this premise that this paper examined the principals’ leadership functions and challenges in public senior secondary schools in Nigeria. The meaning of education and leadership were examined. Functions of school principal such as planning, funding, record keeping, reporting and supervision were critically looked at. Teachers’ attitude, parents’ demand, inadequate resources, funding issue, and teachers’ training constitute the challenges that are associated with principal leadership functions. The study concluded that the importance of principals in senior secondary schools cannot be underestimated; hence effective leadership is needed to implement the school curriculum. Based on the foregoing, principals need to ensure that teachers are involved in school decision making and regular meeting with them are held to review their policies and practices in line to meeting the goals and objectives of the school.