CRISES MANAGEMENT AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

Abstract

This study investigated crisis management and contingency planning in the education sector, focusing on the capacity of educational managers, constraints to preparedness, strategies for improvement, and implications for institutional effectiveness and continuity. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 educational managers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and Simple Linear Regression were employed for analysis at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that managers demonstrated moderate capacity in crisis management, including the existence of documented plans, crisis teams, and emergency drills. However, gaps were noted in training and confidence. Major constraints identified were inadequate funding, insufficient ICT facilities, weak policies, and poor stakeholder collaboration. Recommended strategies included regular professional development, improved funding, stronger partnerships, and ICT integration. The correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between crisis management capacity and institutional effectiveness (r = 0.462, p < 0.05), while regression results confirmed that crisis management significantly predicted institutional continuity (β = 0.462, p < 0.05). The study concludes that strengthening crisis management frameworks is essential for enhancing resilience, reducing disruptions, and ensuring continuity in schools during emergencies.