INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) USAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background To The Study

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a typical secondary school in Nigeria, where education takes centre stage. At the helm is the esteemed principal, a dedicated educational administrator who leads a team of passionate academic and non-academic staff. Together, they create an environment that nurtures the minds of students in levels 1-3 of the Junior Secondary School and 1-3 in the Senior Secondary School. Join us on this educational journey! With a solid educational qualification, extensive experience, and exceptional leadership behaviour, the Principal is equipped to excel in the crucial role of an administrator. However, it is important to acknowledge that there are certain challenges that can either elevate or hinder their efforts in achieving the established goals of the educational system. Introducing the myriad of challenges faced in the education sector: unreliable data, a shortage of skilled manpower, poor funding, inconsistent educational policies, an unstable curriculum, student indiscipline, low application of information and Communication Technology (ICT), industrial crisis by teachers, and the alarming presence of cult activities amongst others (Popoola, 2018). 

Discover the incredible world of technology, where technical processes are harnessed to achieve practical ends. Discover the captivating world of technology, where the boundaries of applied sciences are pushed to their limits. With practical value and industrial applications, technology fuels progress and drives development (Kosoko, 2022). Discover the powerful world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), where the fusion of information and communication technology creates endless possibilities. Discover the fascinating world of information technology, where cutting-edge electronic tools are used to collect, store, manipulate, and transfer valuable information. Discover the incredible world of communication technology, where physical devices and cutting-edge software seamlessly connect computers and effortlessly transfer data from one location to another. Stay ahead of the game with the latest advancements in this dynamic field. (Laudon and Laudon, 2021; Popoola, 2018). Introducing a wide array of cutting-edge ICT devices and tools that are revolutionising the way services are delivered across the globe. These innovative solutions are designed to boost both speed and quality, ensuring a remarkable transformation in the way services are handled. 

Introducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can revolutionise the way schools are managed and how students learn. Introducing a disappointing reality: numerous secondary schools in Nigeria are currently facing challenges in establishing a fully operational and adequately equipped ICT centre. Introducing a groundbreaking issue that hinders progress: the absence of essential physical facilities. But that's not all - there's another significant challenge that looms large: the scarcity of highly skilled professionals to operate the ICT. Together, these obstacles pose a formidable barrier to success. Discover the dark side of ICT as students indulge in the misuse of handsets. From watching explicit content during and after school hours to engaging in late-night calls and even resorting to examination malpractices, these negative practices are a cause for concern. Discover a world of exciting activities that ignite students' passion and drive. Unleash their creativity and foster a sense of adventure. Embrace the power of experiential learning and watch as students thrive. Join us on this journey of discovery and growth. (Alabi 20121) 

Discover the world of secondary schools, where dedicated principals take charge and are held accountable to the authorities who handpicked them. Introducing the exceptional role of principals - the true masters of administration. With a multitude of responsibilities, they expertly handle planning, organising, supervising, staffing, evaluating, coordinating, leadership, and even the crucial tasks of purchasing and maintaining instructional materials, equipment, and facilities. They are the backbone of educational excellence. Discover the extraordinary role of principals, who not only lead with passion and dedication but also skillfully manage the school's finances and accounts. With a keen eye for detail, they ensure that staff and student discipline and welfare are maintained at the highest level. Trust in the expertise of these exceptional individuals to create a nurturing and thriving educational environment. Discover the true power of principals as they expertly navigate the complex world of school administration. The key to their success lies in their ability to flawlessly execute the essential administrative functions mentioned above. Witness firsthand the remarkable impact they can have on their schools. Discover the true power of effectiveness - the remarkable ability of an organisation, such as a school, to achieve its stated objectives using the valuable resources at its disposal. Witness the seamless integration of human talent and material resources, working in perfect harmony to bring about unparalleled success. Embrace the undeniable impact that effectiveness can have on transforming dreams into reality. Discover the key indicators of administrative effectiveness that can revolutionise your organisation. Experience unparalleled productivity, boosted morale, reduced teacher turnover rates, seamless integration, optimised individual potential, efficient resource utilisation, and a valuable contribution to society. Don't miss out on the groundbreaking insights from Uzoigwe's research in 2023. Discover the key elements of a well-run secondary school, as highlighted by the prestigious All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in 2004. According to Uzoigwe (2023), these indicators encompass a dedicated and disciplined staff, students who prioritise attending classes during school hours, a significant decrease in examination malpractice, outstanding performance in junior or senior secondary school certificate examinations, exceptional leadership from the principal, a pristine and inviting school environment, and a high demand from parents seeking admission for their children. Discover the crucial role of secondary school principals in driving the success of education. With their effective leadership, principals have the power to shape the future of secondary education and bring the goals to life.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Discover the dynamic world of the secondary school, an open system that thrives on constant interaction with its environment. Experience the seamless integration of inputs from the external environment, including valuable human and material resources. Our cutting-edge system expertly processes these inputs, transforming them into impactful outputs that are released back into the environment. Discover the power of efficiency and effectiveness with our innovative solution. (Okon, Ekaette and Ameh, 2018) Experience the unparalleled complexity of administrative functions with these remarkable tools designed exclusively for principals. Introducing the dynamic and multifaceted role of principals! These exceptional individuals are the driving force behind decision-making, planning, communication, influencing, coordinating, and evaluation. They excel in various domains such as curriculum development, instructional supervision, staff and student personnel administration, guidance, finance, community relations, construction and maintenance of facilities, and special services. Stay ahead of the game with the invaluable insights provided by Selwood (2019) and Adeyemi and Olaleye (2020). Experience the dynamic world of secondary schools in Nigeria, where administration meets complexity. Experience the power of effective management in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) era with the principal, as they navigate through the demands of today's fast-paced world. Experience the incredible surge in student enrollment and the multitude of programmes offered, all while navigating the intricate world of secondary school administration. School principals are now tasked with managing vast amounts of data, requiring them to process information swiftly and efficiently (Asiabaka, 2020). Experience the power of cutting-edge technology with the utilisation of sophisticated equipment and state-of-the-art facilities, including ICT, to seamlessly process data in schools (Adewole, 2022). Discover the groundbreaking research conducted by esteemed scholars in the field of education. Al-Sharya (2022), Okon, Ekaette, and Ameh (2015), Etuclor-Eyo, Kukali, Kawasonga, and Rabari (2018), and Makewa, Moremo, have delved into the fascinating realm of ICT's impact on principals' administrative effectiveness in secondary schools. Uncover the insights and findings that shed light on this crucial topic. Experience the incredible positive impact of ICT usage on administrative effectiveness in various areas of school administration, including student personnel, financial and general administration, and instructional supervision. Witness the transformation as technology revolutionises the way schools are managed and supervised. 

Discover the incredible benefits of integrating ICT into secondary schools. Experience improved communication, streamlined record preparation and keeping, effortless sourcing of information, efficient registration of students for Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations, lightning-fast analysis of examination results, enhanced financial accountability, and simplified preparation of budget and financial documents. Unleash the power of ICT and revolutionise your school today! Discover the undeniable importance of incorporating ICT tools in the administration of secondary schools. According to Oguta, Egesa, and Musiega (2018), principals and vice principals of schools cannot afford to overlook this crucial aspect. 

It has however been observed that in many government or public secondary schools in Nigeria, ICT tools are hardly available and rarely used to make school administration effective. It is against this background that this study intended to examine the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) and educational administrative effectiveness in public secondary schools.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) and educational administrative effectiveness in public secondary schools. Other specific objectives are to: 

Determine the extent Information And Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated in educational administration process of Public Secondary Schools.

Evaluate the influence of ICT usage on the enhancement of educational administrative effectiveness in public secondary schools.

Identify the factors affecting the usage of Information And Communication Technology (ICT) for education administration purposes among  public secondary schools.

Proffer practical recommendations to enhance the use of ICT for educational administration among  public secondary schools.

1.4 Research Questions 

The following research questions were answered in the study:

What is the extent Information And Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated in educational administration process of Public Secondary Schools ?

What is the influence of ICT usage on the enhancement of educational administrative effectiveness in public secondary schools?

What are the factors affecting the usage of Information And Communication Technology (ICT) for education administration purposes among  public secondary schools?

 1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho:  There is no significant relationship between information and communication technology and educational administrative effectiveness .

Ha:  There is a significant relationship between information and communication technology and educational administrative effectiveness.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) and educational administrative effectiveness in public secondary schools. The study will be delimited to some selected public secondary schools in Alimosho LGA, Lagos State.

1.7  Significance of the Study

This study would be of immense use to school administrators, teachers, bursars/accountants in the public secondary schools in Lagos State. The official in the ministry of Education and its agencies would also benefit. They would be sensitized on the imperative of having a virile computer centre in each school, manned competent hands. They would therefore be compelled to make money available for this purpose. The principals would recognize the fact that effective school administration cannot be achieved without the usage of ICT in general, and record keeping and communication particular.

The study’s findings and conclusions would provide useful hints to principals and school accountants, on how to keep financial records and to retrieve them when needed. The findings of the study would help the teachers to keep and access students’ academic records as and when due.

1.8 Limitations Of The Study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

ICT: Information communications technology

Administrative Effectiveness: The positive response to administrative efforts and actions with. the intention to accomplish stated goals.

Educational Administrators: These are school principals who are charged with the administrative roles in secondary schools.

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