School Leadership in the Successful Implementation of Physical Education Curriculum in Secondary Schools for Lifelong Education in Ekiti State

This study examined the role of school leadership in the successful implementation of the Physical Education curriculum in secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study involved 80 principals and 160 Physical Education teachers drawn from 80 public secondary schools across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State. A multistage sampling technique comprising stratified random and purposive sampling techniques was used to select the participants. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire, which was validated by experts and pilot-tested for reliability, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. The questionnaire was administered by the researchers and trained research assistants, and all completed copies were retrieved immediately. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product–Moment Correlation, and simple linear regression analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that transformational and participative leadership styles were the predominant approaches adopted by school principals to facilitate the implementation of the Physical Education curriculum. The study further established that school leadership significantly influenced curriculum implementation through effective goal setting, instructional supervision, resource management, and support for the professional development of Physical Education teachers. However, inadequate funding, insufficient instructional facilities, shortages of qualified teachers, and other socio-economic constraints limited the effectiveness of school leadership in implementing the curriculum. The study concluded that effective school leadership is a critical determinant of successful Physical Education curriculum implementation. It therefore recommended sustained leadership development programmes for school principals, improved funding, adequate provision of instructional facilities and equipment, and continuous professional development opportunities for Physical Education teachers to enhance effective curriculum implementation.