BARRIERS TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' EFFECTIVENESS IN MANAGING RURAL PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AHIAZU MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE

Abstract

This research examines the obstacles hindering the effectiveness of school principals in rural public secondary schools located in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Acknowledging the critical importance of school managers in facilitating quality education, the study concentrates on three primary areas of challenge: inadequate facilities, insufficient funding, and staffing inadequacy. A descriptive survey design was adopted, using structured questionnaires to collect data from school principals and teaching personnel. The results indicate that rural schools are struggling with deteriorating infrastructure, a scarcity of teaching materials, inadequate government funding, and a significant deficiency of qualified teachers. These issues severely restrict the administrative and instructional abilities of school managers, thereby affecting students' academic achievements and the overall advancement of the school. The research suggests that increased governmental assistance is necessary, including enhanced funding, improved infrastructure, strategic initiatives for recruiting and retaining teachers, and greater community involvement.