The Role of School Self-Evaluation in the Actualization of Quality Assurance in Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Abstract

Absence of Quality, especially in terms of learning outcomes in basic education in Nigeria is a serious concern to several educators and other stakeholders. This negative trend is manifested in the kind of products currently produced from public primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. To salvage this unfortunate situation requires several measures and actions. One of such strategies is the model of school self-evaluation. School self-evaluation is an inbuilt assessment tool used by school heads in passing value judgement on the operations of their schools. It is based on the notion that school managers should not just wait for other authorities to point out the gaps of their schools for them but they should take the lead to periodically assess the strengths and weaknesses of their institutions. This paper presents the practice of school self-evaluation as a potent tool in ensuring quality task performance by teachers and better achievements by students, particularly in public primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. It examines the art of school self-evaluation
which is an aspect of Quality Assurance Model as a strategy that needs to be emphasized towards achieving Quality in Nigerian educational system. It further looked at the factors militating against effective school self-evaluation and suggests possible measures towards strengthening the practice of school self-evaluation in primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. Some recommendations
include the need to train Headteachers and Principals on modern techniques of school selfevaluation, sensitization of teachers to be more cooperative with school Heads and provision of adequate facilities in schools among others.