Educational Leadership: Emerging Practices Transforming Teaching And Learning In Public Schools In Nigeria And Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/fnas-jmse.v7i3.1238Keywords:
Education Leaders, COVID-19, Technology integration, Transformational Leadership, sustainable practicesAbstract
Educational leadership practices are crucial in transforming schools to enhance the quality and achievement of educational goals. This study examines the emerging practices in educational leadership that are reshaping teaching and learning in public schools across Nigeria, including their leadership challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 on school leadership practices. It also proffers solutions to leadership issues relating to teaching and learning in Nigeria. The study used a descriptive survey with structured and unstructured questionnaires to collect data from 108 school leaders in public schools in Nigeria and Kenya using Google Forms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. As both nations contend with challenges such as resource constraints, large student populations, and socioeconomic disparities, innovative leadership strategies are being adopted to bridge gaps in educational outcomes. The study highlights key practices, including integrating technology in classrooms, teacher capacity-building programs, community engagement initiatives, and data-driven decision-making. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data, the paper underscored the importance of collaborative leadership, policy alignment, and sustainable practices in transforming public education systems. The research identifies lessons and actionable strategies for improving teaching and learning while emphasizing the pivotal role of leadership in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
References
Adebayo, S., Afolabi, O., & Onifade, T. (2018). Impact of Instructional Leadership on Teachers’ Performance in Nigerian Public Schools. International Journal of Education Studies, 10(2), 34-47.
Adebisi, O., & Olanrewaju, T. (2020). Parental Involvement and School Leadership in Nigerian Public Schools. African Journal of Educational Leadership, 8(2), 54-66.
Adeoye, I. A., Adanikin, A. F., & Adanikin, A. (2020). COVID-19 and E-learning: Nigeria tertiary education system experience. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 5(4), 28–31.
Adeyemi, T. O., & Adeyemi, A. O. (2020). Parental involvement and academic achievement of secondary school students in Nigeria. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 10(4), 60–68.
Adeyemi, T. O., & Bolarinwa, R. (2019). Transformational Leadership and Teacher Job Performance in Nigerian Secondary Schools. Journal of Educational Management, 15(3), 45-60.
Akinyele, R. (2020). Digital Tools and Leadership Efficiency in Nigerian Schools. Nigerian Journal of Educational Technology, 12(1), 15-30.
Edozie, M. (2019). Teacher professional development in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities. African Educational Research Journal, 7(2), 93–101.
Fakoya, S. (2020). Situational Leadership in Nigerian Schools: Challenges and Opportunities. Educational Leadership and Policy Review, 6(1), 38-52.
Hallinger, P. (2005). Instructional Leadership and the School Principal: A Passing Fancy That Refuses to Die. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 4(3), 221-239.
Hersey, P., & Blanchard, K. H. (1969). Management of Organizational Behavior: Utilizing Human Resources. Prentice Hall.
Koskei, J., Kipchumba, S., & Kogo, B. (2020). Equity in education for nomadic communities: The Kenyan experience. International Journal of Educational Development in Africa, 7(1), 13–22.
Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
Makori, A., & Onderi, H. (2021). Digital Technology and School Leadership in Kenya. East African Educational Review, 14(3), 22-39.
Mutuku, N. J., Mwangi, J., & Kariuki, C. (2020). Community participation in school decision-making in Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice, 11(18), 47–55.
Mwangi, M. (2019). Instructional Leadership and its Impact on Educational Outcomes in Kenya. Kenyan Journal of Educational Leadership, 5(2), 40-55.
Mwang’ombe, A.M.(2021).Teacher Education in Kenya: Successes, challenges and recommendations for a successful teacher education in the 21st century. Retrieved 4th June 2025 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356259300_Teacher_Education_in_Kenya_Successes_challenges_and_recommendations_for_a_successful_teacher_education_in_the_21st_century
Ngina, H.(2024).The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Advancing Education in Kenya. Retrievd 4th June 2025 from https://mykurasa.com/2024/09/the-role-of-public-private-partnerships-in-advancing-education-in-kenya/
Ngware, M., Abuya, B., & Mutisya, M. (2020). Transformational leadership in African schools: Evidence from Kenya and beyond. Africa Education Review, 17(3), 21–38.
Njenga, M. (2020). Parental Involvement in School Leadership and Student Achievement in Kenyan Public Schools. Kenyan Journal of Education, 8(4), 55-72.
Njuguna, D., & Orodho, J. A. (2022). Teacher training and its impact on quality education in Kenya. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(6), 39–48.
Oduro, G., & Simiyu, C. (2020). Challenges in Educational Leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Nigeria and Kenya. Comparative Education Review, 15(3), 67-81.
Ogegbo, A., & Olujuwon, O.(2025). Exploring Principal’s use and Management of Technology in Public Secondary Schools. International Journal of Education and Development Using Information And Communication Technology,21(1), 62-78
Okonkwo, E., Nwachukwu, O., & Adebayo, K. (2021). Leadership Support for E-Learning during COVID-19 in Nigerian Secondary Schools. Education Research and Development Journal, 11(2), 14-28.
Olaniyan, D. A., Adekola, B. O., & Gbadegesin, A. A. (2021). Educational planning in Nigeria: The role of data in achieving sustainable development goals. Educational Research Review, 16(8), 112–119.
Onyango, J. (2021). Impact of Leadership Training on School Performance in Kenya. African Journal of Leadership Studies, 18(1), 12-20.
Spillane, J. P. (2006). Distributed Leadership. Educational Forum, 70(2), 112-124.
Tondeur, J., van Braak, J., Ertmer, P. A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. (2021). Understanding technology integration in education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(3), 733–757.
UNESCO. (2021). Transforming education in Africa: An evidence-based overview and recommendations for long-term improvements Retrieved 10th April 2024 from https://www.unicef.org/media/106686/file/Transforming%20Education%20in%20Africa.pdf
UNICEF. (2020). Education and data systems in Africa: Challenges and opportunities. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=unicef.+2020+.+education+and+data+systems+in+africa+challenges+and+opportunities.&qpvt=UNICEF.+(2020).+Education+and+data+systems+in+Africa%3a+Challenges+and+opportunities.&form=IGRE&first=1 Retrieved 4th June 2025
Wainaina, L., & Mwangi, G. (2022). The role of data in transforming education in Kenya. Kenya Education Review, 4(1), 23–30.
Waari, O. A. (2022).The difficulties that face principals in leading technological change in schools. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(4), 10918–10932.
Wanjiru, J., & Njoroge, M. (2020). Transformational Leadership Practices in Kenyan Public Secondary Schools. Journal of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, 7(2), 33-50.
Wanzare, Z. (2021). Educational leadership practices in Kenya: A review. African Journal of Educational Management, 6(2), 15–29.
Yusuf, A., Afolabi, F. O., & Hassan, A. (2021). Addressing the challenges of girl-child education in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership, 15(3), 45–56.
