PRINCIPALS’ PERCEPTION OF CONSTRAINTS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 9-3-4 SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated on principal’s perception of constraints to the implementation of 9-3-4 System of Education in Ebonyi State. Three research questions and three null hypothesis guided the study. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 82 Secondary school principals, made up of 52 male principals and 30 female principals. There was no sampling because the population was manageable. The self-development instrument titled “principals” perception of constraints in the implementation of 9-3-4system of Education” (PPC.9-3-4 SE) for data collection was face validated by three experts, two from department of Educational Management and one from measurement and evaluation unit of Department of science and Computer Education. The instrument has two section, A and B. Section A deals with the bio-data of the respondent while section B contain 30 items in three clusters that correspond with the researchers questions. The instrument is a four point modified like rating scales and four response pattern of very Great Extent (V G E -4points), Great Extent (G E-3 points), Low Extent (L E – 2 points) and very Low Extent (V G E -1 point). In this study, cronbach Alpha was used to ascertain the internal consistency of the instrument. The reliability indices showed 0.85 for cluster A, 0.81 for cluster B and 0.89 for cluster C. The overall reliability index of the instrument was 0.79. Mean score and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistic was used to test he hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Some of the findings includes that inadequate funding and facilities constitute constraints to the implementation of 9-3-4 system of Education in public Secondary schools in Afikpo Education Zone of Ebony State. It was recommended that there should be a well-articulated system of funding of 9-3- 4 System of Education adequately. The government should pay attention to the provision of adequate qualified teachers.