PRINCIPALS’ HIGHER ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION: A TOOL FOR IMPROVING STUDENTS’ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of principals’ academic qualification on students’ academic performance in
senior secondary schools in Bauchi State. The study adopted the descriptive research designed of the correlation
type. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 out of 85 senior secondary schools in Bauchi State. A
combination of purposive and simple random sampling technique was used to select 30 principals, 27 vice
principals’ administration and 17 vice principals academic as well as 359 teachers from 30 senior secondary
schools in Bauchi State making it a total of 433 subjects as participants to this study. The instruments used to
collect relevant data were Principals’ Higher Academic Qualification and Students’ Academic Performance
Questionnaire (PHAQSAPQ). National Examination Council (NECO) Result Documentary Analysis Format was
also used to analyse students’ academic performance. The instruments were pilot tested after experts have
ascertained it contents validity. The reliability coefficient was 0.73 for the self-designed questionnaire. The data
collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). One hypothesis was formulated and
tested. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Analysis Procedure was used to test the hypothesis. The
hypothesis was tested at 0.05 significant levels. The results of the analysis showed among others that, there was
significant impact of principals’ higher academic qualification on students’ academic performance. Based on the
findings, it was recommended among others that, school principals should be encouraged to go for higher
academic qualification to enable them keep in place appropriate leadership efficiency that will further influence
students’ academic performance