ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN SCHOOLS” IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This paper tends to examine Accountability and Transparency in Educational Management: A Critical Analysis of Policy Implementation in Nigerian Schools. It critically examines The Evolving Landscape of Educational Management in Nigeria down to Rivers State from the pre-technology era to advent of technology and challenges the gap Introductory aspect was on a brief historical background of school management before and after Independence and after, challenges and effort made curtailing it Theoretical Perspectives on Accountability: the Conceptual Framework looked at the key words, Mechanisms that foster accountability and transparency in school were discussed with proposed programmes or project with development set goals. The Impact of Accountability Measures to educational quality were highlighted, Nigeria Educational Policies that fosters Accountability and Transparency such as Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act (2004, as revised in 2012) and Teacher Service Commission were reviewed. Roles of policy implementation and school-level governance in Rivers State and its Implications for Educational Management benefits are identified.  Policy document and guideline strength and weakness and implication where discussed. Best practices globally and across Sub-Sahara Africa and its benefits, challenges such as lack of policy implication and corruption where identified and suggestions such as funding the sectors, collaborations and human capacity building  Invest in data standards and training, Capacity cycles and Corrective actions, timelines, and sanctions to build credibility in the educational system. The study concluded by stressing the need to strengthening institutional capacity, by promoting stakeholder participation, and  leveraging technology will enhance accountability and transparency in educational management among others.