Managing School-Based Resources and Secondary School Effectiveness in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between school-based resource management and secondary school effectiveness in Cross River State, Nigeria, using a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 487 administrators across the three senatorial districts of the state, with a census sampling technique ensuring full participation and eliminating sampling error. Data were collected using validated and reliable instruments-the School-Based Resource Management Questionnaire (SBRMQ) and Secondary School Effectiveness Inventory (SSEI) and analyzed using a four-point Likert scale with a criterion mean of 2.50 as the benchmark for interpretation. Findings revealed that effective management of human, financial, and physical resources significantly enhances administrative and instructional effectiveness in secondary schools. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited autonomy, and insufficient training impede optimal resource utilization. The study concludes that strategic interventions like capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and digital integration are essential for addressing these challenges. It recommends comprehensive policy reforms and sustained investment in resource management to improve the effectiveness of secondary schools in Cross River State.