Assessment of Principals’ Perception on Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal-4 in Public Secondary School in Zaria Educational Zone, Kaduna

Abstract

The study examined principals’ perceptions on implementation of SDG-4 in secondary schools. The objectives of the study were to examine principals’ perceptions of the strategies used to implement SDG-4, identify principals’ perceptions of the challenges affecting its effective implementation, and assess principals’ perceptions of the extent to which SDG-4 implementation has been achieved in the Zaria Educational Zone. A descriptive survey was adopted, and a population of 73-principals from the study area was used. Census sampling was employed due to the manageable population size. A structured questionnaire titled Assessment of Principals’ Perception on the Implementation of SDG-4 (APPISDG) was used for data collection. Content validity was established through three experts’ review. Reliability of 0.75 was determined using Cronbach’s Alpha, indicating it acceptable for research. Data were analysed using frequency counts with a criterion mean of 2.50. The results show that principals perceive their leadership practices as effectively supporting key areas of SDG-4, with a grand mean of 3.10, indicating strong alignment with global standards for equitable and quality education. Findings further revealed that principals widely agree, as indicated by a grand mean of 3.15, that several challenges hinder effective SDG-4 implementation in Zaria Educational Zone. Additionally, principals view SDG-4 implementation as moderately successful, with a grand mean of 2.92, reflecting improvements in teaching quality and learner support. Conclusion, principals generally hold positive perceptions of SDG-4 implementation strategies; however, limited funding and inadequate materials continue to impede full realization of the goal. The study recommends increased funding and strengthened support programmes to enhance and sustain effective SDG-4 implementation among others.