The management of secondary school security and safety practices in Nigeria: School managers' perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2025.vol7.1.25Keywords:
Interpretivist paradigm, rural schools, safety, securitisation theory, securityAbstract
In this empirical study, we examined the perspectives of school managers on the management of security and safety practices in secondary schools. The study is grounded in securitisation theory, which advocates for proper management of security in politics, the provision of security in policies, and the implementation of such policies to create safe schools. This study is qualitative in nature, involving purposefully conducted individual interviews with six school managers from three rural secondary schools in Nigeria, using semi-structured interview techniques. The findings indicated that school managers employ a variety of strategies to ensure the security and safety of their respective schools. In light of these findings, the study recommends improvements in school safety and security management practices, including the need for increased collaboration among school administrators, local police, and other stakeholders. The study also highlights that school managers should consider various ethical considerations when implementing security and safety initiatives. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the perspectives of school managers on the management of security and safety practices in secondary schools.
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