PERCEIVED COMPETENCY NEEDS OF PRINCIPALS FOR MANAGING PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA STATE

The study investigated perceived competency needs of principals for managing private secondary schools in Anambra state. The researchers outlined three purposes, three research questions and three null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 569 principals of government approved private secondary schools in Anambra state. The sample was made up of 227(91 males and 136 females) principals, using proportionate stratified sampling technique. Stratification was based on gender and educational zones. Data was collected using a questionnaire of 61 items titled “Competency Needs Questionnaire for Principals” (CNQP),which was validated by experts from the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. A reliability index of .94 for the questionnaire was obtained using Cronbach alpha method. Data analysis was done using mean scores, t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings revealed among others the competency need which are: sourcing fund for the development of the school, conducting teacher performance appraisal. It was also discovered that there is a significant difference in perception of male and female principals on their competency need. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Anambra State Ministry of Education, Post-Primary School Service Commission, as well as National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), should use the identified competency need as basis for organizing workshops, conferences, seminars and in-service courses for their principals