TEACHERS' LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper explores the influence of teacher qualities and classroom leadership styles on students’ academic performance in private senior secondary schools. It examines how qualifications, pedagogical competence, leadership styles, and teaching experience affect learning outcomes. The paper reveals that teacher effectiveness and instructional leadership significantly enhance student performance when supported by conducive learning environments and low student-teacher ratios. The paper concludes that qualified, competent, and pedagogically sound teachers must lead their classrooms with clarity, motivation, and emotional intelligence. It recommends that private school administrators and policymakers must establish regular, structured training programmes focused on leadership skills, modern pedagogy, classroom assessment, and technology integration.