The purpose of this research was to find out the Perceptions and Challenges that Educational Leaders in Cameroon face as a result of their lack of Formal Training in Educational Administration in the Primary, Secondary and High Schools in Cameroon. The study used the Sequential explanatory mixed method design in which quantitative data is used as the basis on which to build and explain qualitative data. Data was collected with the use of questionnaires and interview guides. The sample was selected using the simple random sampling technique. The sample consisted of 112 Head Teachers and 120 Principals who returned the questionnaires from the 13 Divisions of the two English Speaking Regions of Cameroon. The interview was conducted with 14 school heads in both Primary, Secondary and High Schools. This gives a grand total of 246 respondents in this study. An analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data resulted in the following findings: The school leaders’ views showed that a majority of them were not formally trained upon their appointments as school heads. They opined that formal training can enhance their preparedness as leaders. Also, the school leaders agreed that they face challenges due to their lack of formal training as they perform their functions as school heads.. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made to School administrators and officials in the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education. Current School Heads should embark on in-service formal training in order to enhance their capacities while aspiring school heads should have pre-formal training before appointments. It was also recommended that an institution for training be established to train professional school heads upon appointment. The main limitation to this study that data collection was very challenging as gaining access to school heads was a problem due to the socio-political crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon where this research was based. Furthermore, suggestions for further research were made.
Formal, Training, Educational, Administration, Perceptions, Challenges, Leaders
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