Background of the Study
School leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and extracurricular programs offered in educational institutions. In primary schools in Ilorin East, effective leadership is critical in promoting physical education, which is an essential component of a well-rounded education. Leaders who are committed to the holistic development of students often prioritize physical education by allocating resources, providing professional development for teachers, and creating policies that integrate physical activity into the school day (Adewumi, 2023). In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the impact of leadership on student outcomes, with a growing recognition that school principals and administrators influence not only academic achievement but also the overall school climate (Olaitan, 2024). Effective school leaders in Ilorin East have been observed to foster an environment that encourages physical activity by advocating for state-of-the-art sports facilities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and engaging the community in school sports initiatives (Bello, 2025). Moreover, visionary leadership that supports teacher innovation and collaboration can significantly enhance the delivery of physical education programs (Akinola, 2023). Despite these positive trends, challenges persist in some schools where leadership may lack the necessary vision or commitment to champion physical education. Budget constraints, competing academic priorities, and inadequate training in sports management are among the factors that limit the impact of school leadership on the promotion of physical education (Oluwaseun, 2024). These challenges underscore the need for a systematic investigation into the role of school leadership in enhancing physical education. This study seeks to explore how leadership styles, resource allocation, and policy development contribute to promoting physical education in primary schools in Ilorin East, thereby providing insights that can inform future interventions and leadership training programs (Suleiman, 2025). By examining these aspects, the study aims to create a framework that can be used by school administrators to develop more effective physical education programs that align with both educational goals and the broader well-being of students.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of school leadership in promoting physical education, many primary schools in Ilorin East face challenges that hinder the effective implementation of physical education programs. A significant number of schools report that leadership does not adequately prioritize physical education due to competing academic demands and budget constraints (Fadare, 2023). This lack of prioritization results in insufficient funding, poor maintenance of sports facilities, and limited opportunities for teacher professional development in the area of physical education (Adebisi, 2024). Furthermore, some school leaders demonstrate limited understanding of the benefits that physical education brings to students' overall development, which negatively influences their decision-making processes regarding resource allocation (Olayinka, 2025). The absence of a coherent leadership strategy dedicated to promoting physical education creates an environment where physical activity is undervalued, and student engagement in sports remains low. This problem is compounded by the fact that leadership training in many schools does not include a focus on extracurricular program management or the integration of sports into the academic curriculum. As a result, even schools with adequate facilities may fail to utilize them effectively (Bashir, 2023). The study aims to address this gap by investigating how leadership practices influence the promotion of physical education in primary schools. It will explore the specific challenges faced by school leaders, identify best practices, and propose actionable recommendations to enhance the role of leadership in supporting physical education. Addressing these challenges is critical for ensuring that primary school students benefit from comprehensive physical education programs that contribute to their physical and psychological development (Adebola, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
• To examine the role of school leadership in promoting physical education in primary schools.
• To identify challenges faced by school leaders in prioritizing physical education.
• To recommend strategies for enhancing leadership practices to support physical education programs.
Research Questions
• How does school leadership influence the promotion of physical education in primary schools?
• What challenges do school leaders face in integrating physical education into the curriculum?
• Which leadership strategies can effectively improve the promotion of physical education?
Research Hypotheses
• H₁: Effective school leadership is positively correlated with the promotion of physical education in primary schools.
• H₂: Insufficient leadership training contributes to the underpromotion of physical education.
• H₃: Enhanced leadership practices result in improved resource allocation for physical education.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the critical role of school leadership in advancing physical education in primary schools in Ilorin East. The findings will offer valuable insights for educational policy-makers, school administrators, and leadership training institutions. By identifying effective leadership strategies, the study aims to support the development of comprehensive physical education programs that enhance student health and academic performance. These insights will contribute to a more balanced and effective educational framework that promotes holistic development (Ogunleye, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to investigating the influence of school leadership on the promotion of physical education in primary schools in Ilorin East Local Government Area. It does not cover secondary schools or other subjects, and is confined to leadership practices within the context of physical education.
Definitions of Terms
• School Leadership: The administration and management practices employed by school principals and administrators.
• Promotion: The act of actively supporting or encouraging the development and participation in a program.
• Resource Allocation: The process of distributing available resources to support educational programs.
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