The research study assessed the principal’s perspectives on leadership styles in implementing the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program in South-South, Nigeria. A total of five research questions guided the direction of the study. Conducted a literature review to ascertain previous researchers’ findings, and several gaps that affected the smooth implementation of the UBE program were identified that further justified the study’s need.
The study used an interpretive/constructivist qualitative research approach, phenomenological research design, and semi-structured face-to-face interviews to gather primary data from a purposive sample of 33 public junior secondary school principals in South-South, Nigeria. A qualitative deductive content analysis was used for the data analysis.
The findings based on the live experience of the participants show that the UBE program could have performed better if there had been adequate planning for the principals to implement the curriculum of the UBE program and if adequate funding had been available for the implementation of the UBE program. In addition, periodic leadership and professional development training were done, and sufficient school infrastructure was in place to enhance effective teaching and learning.
The research implications show that the participant’s views presented in this study will guide future researchers, educational leaders, administrators, and the education ministry on the impact of the ineffective implementation of the UBE program. The study presented the need for adopting a transformational leadership style for the principals, increasing the funding of the UBE program, and improving the condition of services and motivation of the school principals and schoolteachers to enhance performance. Also recommended were regular leadership and professional development training, effective planning and data management systems, and conducive teaching and learning environment. The current study added to the body of research by extending the need for principals to adopt a transformational leadership style. Mixed-method research was recommended for future studies, and the scope of the study participants should be increased to capture a larger population of school principals, including State Universal Basic Education Board Staff, Schoolteachers, and students. The study was concluded with an overview of the entire study from chapter 1 to chapter 5.