REIMAGINING LEADERSHIP AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AS PROCESS VARIABLES IN NIGERIA: PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study examines the need to rethink leadership and school management in Nigeria in order to improve the quality and sustainability of education. Literature reveals that the education system faces several challenges, including inadequate funding, poor teacher motivation, weak policy implementation, low student performance and perceived declining educational outcomes. To address these issues, the paper examines modern leadership approaches such as transformational, instructional and distributed leadership, which focus on collaboration, accountability and improved teaching practices and align with the sub-theme of leadership and school management. The study draws on secondary sources of peer reviewed local and international academic publications by reviewing relevant literature and existing practices. It emphasises the importance of involving key educational stakeholders such as government, school administrators, teachers, parents, guardians and the wider community in decision-making and school activities. It also highlights the role of continuous training for school leaders in improving school management. The findings show that effective and innovative leadership can lead to better school performance, improved learning outcomes and long-term educational development. The study concludes that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable educational growth, there is a need for strong leadership capacity, supportive policies and the adoption of modern management practices. It is recommended that school leaders be properly trained, policies be effectively implemented and collaborative practices be encouraged to ensure meaningful and lasting improvements in the education sector.