An Assessment of Financial Management Practices and Administrative Effectiveness Among Secondary School Principals in Sokoto State

Education is widely recognized as a fundamental instrument for social, cultural, political, and economic development. Effective education systems depend largely on competent school leadership, particularly secondary school principals who play a central role in mobilizing resources and ensuring school effectiveness, especially in enhancing students’ academic performance. However, in many developing countries, principals are often appointed based on classroom teaching experience rather than demonstrated leadership or financial management competence, which may limit their administrative effectiveness. Financial management is a critical component of school administration, as it involves the ability to plan, allocate, and control financial resources to achieve educational goals. Effective financial management ensures proper utilization of funds, transparency, accountability, and sustainable school development. Conversely, inadequate financial knowledge among school leaders can result in poor financial control, mismanagement of resources, and administrative inefficiencies. Many principals and members of school governing boards often face challenges due to limited financial management skills, which places them under pressure when addressing practical administrative and financial problems. This study examines the financial management strategies adopted by secondary school principals and their relationship with administrative effectiveness in Sokoto State. It explores the extent to which principals’ financial knowledge, planning skills, budgeting practices, and control mechanisms influence overall school administration and performance outcomes. The study also highlights the challenges faced by school administrators in managing school funds effectively and the implications for educational development. Findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights into improving financial management capacity among school leaders and strengthening administrative effectiveness in secondary schools. The study further emphasizes the need for targeted training and capacity-building programs for principals to enhance their financial management competencies and overall leadership effectiveness.