Primary School Principals' Performance in Critical Administrative Task Areas

Abstract

Primary school administration in Nigeria has become a complex entity in recent years, due mainly to the implementation of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme and the subsequent increase in enrollment of students. Enrollment increases have led to the assignment of a large number of teachers under the supervision of the headmasters. Recent laws governing the primary school system in Bendel State1 stipulate several areas of accountability. These are competency areas where the headmaster is expected to gain knowledge through experience. The headmaster (principal) is made accountable for providing the means of achieving curriculum objectives as specified in the -primary school syllabus. As the manager of the school, the headmaster is expected to provide teaching material and necessary equipment as well as to manage the limited available resources for the utmost benefit of the students.2 He is equally expected to provide strong leadership in curriculum implementation. Another critical area of responsibility is administration of pupil personnel. Here the headmaster is required by the State School Board to maintain a system of pupil accountability. He is also expected to initiate a system of pupil accounting and provide counseling and health services.3