Education plays prominent role in the development of nations considering that the progress of nations depends on the capability of its workforce which is informed by the quality of education offered its citizenry. Program for international students‟ assessment revealed the need to improve upon the quality of education across nations. This need was corroborated by the unimpressive performance of the secondary schools learners in Egbeda local Government of Oyo State. Ironically, secondary schools management in the local government have been found to have very little discretionary powers in the administration of their schools – a situation that could have contributed to the poor performance of the learners. The study thus focussed on the effect of school autonomy on learners‟ performance in Egbeda Local Government secondary schools of Oyo State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 72 Principals, 158 Vice Principals and 125 Heads of Departments from the 72 schools covered by the study. Thirty schools were excluded from the study for not meeting selection criteria of ten years of establishment. Sample size of 355 was purposively selected for the study. Response rate was 97.7%. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ work quality (F5, 341 = 221.357, Adj. R2 = 0.761, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ affective performance (F5, 341 = 66.085, Adj. R2 = 0.492, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ character formation (F5, 341 = 553.982, Adj. R2 = 0.889, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ personal development (F5, 341 = 104.177, Adj. R2 = 0.599, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ social development (F5, 341 = 45.928, Adj. R2 = 0.394, p < 0.05). The study concluded that school autonomy affected learners‟ performance. The study recommended that education authorities should make policy provisions that will enhance school autonomy in both private and public secondary schools in the Egbeda Local Government of Oyo State to improve learners‟ performance. / Educational Management and Leadership / Ph. D. (Education Management)

The dissertation is focused on exploring the aspects of the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum that shows its individualized nature. The aim of the study was to explore individualized instruction from the view of the ACE program with a view of possible recommendation for use on a wider scale in Nigerian schools. This was considered because of the several lapses identified in the present Nigerian education program. The research explored other teaching and learning methodologies to establish commonality and assess if indeed the programs form of individualization is related to any existing form. Interviews were conducted to get the experiences of students and supervisors who are using the program. Recommendations were made for consideration to the users of the program on the strengths and weaknesses examined and suggestions for possible improvement given based on the responses of the research participants. / M. Ed. (Didactics)

Challenges of access to education in the developing world and elsewhere appear to be widespread. Many declarations and conventions have been developed to assist countries to respond to the issue. While challenges of access are universal, Africa in general and sub-Saharan Africa in particular are presented with additional concerns about gender equality and gender parity. While learner numbers seem to be on the decline globally, dropout amongst girls is disproportionately greater than amongst boys. Even though school retention presents a challenge at all levels of the schooling system, it is more acute for girls at the secondary school level. This study was conducted to examine and understand factors that shape retention of secondary school female learners in two rural public schools in Alimosho Region of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study design was qualitative and interpretive in nature. Data collection strategies included administered questionnaires in two schools, focus group discussion with twenty female learners in two schools, case studies, individual interviews with four participants from two schools, and observation in English and Biology classes where the two teachers from the two schools participated in the interviews. Ethical clearance from Alimosho Educational Region office and the two schools was obtained before undertaking the study. Participants’ school principals also signed written consent forms before interviews. The female learners were briefed about the study interview activities and advised that their participation was voluntary and that they were free to withdraw at any point. This study drew on Sen’s (1989, 2000) capabilities theory to understand the phenomenon beyond dominant discourses on education that view education as a basic human right or that focus on economic and development gains. The key finding of this study is that in-school and out- of- school factors interact in complex ways to support female learner retention. Key among these are value placed on education by female learners and significant others, particularly parents; family support; and individual aspirations. Extra-curricular participation, government policy, role models, and peer support were also found to be important factors that mediate progression and retention.

The dissertation is focused on exploring the aspects of the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum that shows its individualized nature. The aim of the study was to explore individualized instruction from the view of the ACE program with a view of possible recommendation for use on a wider scale in Nigerian schools. This was considered because of the several lapses identified in the present Nigerian education program. The research explored other teaching and learning methodologies to establish commonality and assess if indeed the programs form of individualization is related to any existing form. Interviews were conducted to get the experiences of students and supervisors who are using the program. Recommendations were made for consideration to the users of the program on the strengths and weaknesses examined and suggestions for possible improvement given based on the responses of the research participants. / M. Ed. (Didactics)