SCHOOL PLANTS MAINTENANCE AND EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated school plant maintenance and effective administration of public junior secondary schools in Rivers State. Driven by a pair of objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses were tested. The study was conducted using a correlational research framework. The target population included 266 principals from 266 public junior secondary schools in Rivers State, with a sample size of 150 principals selected through random sampling. Data collection for the study was done using a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions. A survey was used to gather data for the research. The tool underwent validation and reliability testing, resulting in a reliability coefficient 0.76 determined by the PPMC. Mean score and standard deviation were employed to address the research enquiries, while the PPMC was utilized to evaluate the hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05, utilizing SPSS version 22 for analysis. The research uncovered a notable correlation between the upkeep of school facilities and the efficient management of public junior high schools. It was discovered that one of the methods employed by principals to uphold the school infrastructure is conducting routine inspections, while another common approach is implementing immediate maintenance when necessary. This study also revealed that principals prioritise regular monitoring of school facilities and are quick to address any urgent maintenance issues that arise in order to ensure the upkeep of the school plant. The success of achieving educational goals and objectives largely hinges on the level of attention school principals dedicate to maintaining the school plant. Therefore, it is suggested in this research that the government should enlist the expertise of professionals in every public school to ensure proper upkeep of the school facilities.