LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY PERSPECTIVES IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY.A NIGERIA SECONDARY SCHOOL FOCUS.
Abstract
The basis of this study was to x-ray the different concepts and perceptions of people in relation to leadership and school accountability management as a determinant to students’ academic performance. For those who have been involved in the governance or leadership of schools for several years, you will be aware of the ever-increasing level of responsibility being imposed on school governing bodies (leaders) by regulators (education ministries & boards). Administrative languages has moved from terms such as “obligations” to “responsibility” and recently, to “accountability of school governing body”. However, this should not be considered as abnormal. School leadership should be accountable for student and staff safety at school and through the principal, for the education of the children. They are also accountable for enterprise risk management, finances, teaching and learning facilities and, above all, for being the drivers of school culture, hence the term accountability was considered as answering for one’s actions, and particularly the results of those actions. It is a concept which defines a relationship of control between different parties, and has a connection to trust. To this extent, information gathering model was oral interview with some principals, teachers, local and state schools board members with some political appointees and leaderships. The writer also interviewed community leaders for in-depth information on school practice and accountability, all these culminated to the successful conclusion of this write up. To this, after due diligence and consideration of the information gathered, there was a clear evidence that government (local & state) are not always accountable for not providing required facility, equipment and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning rather teachers and principals are always blamed for all shortcomings in school management issues hence this work was eminent.
