Abstract

This paper examined principals’ management of conflicts in public secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria. As a descriptive survey, the study population comprised all the 281 public secondary schools in the State. Out of this population, a sample of 80 schools was drawn while 340 respondents (80 principals and 260 teachers) were selected through the stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analyzed using percentages. The findings show that conflicts have not been effectively managed by principals of schools because of their inability to effectively utilize the strategies for resolving conflicts. Based on the findings, it was recommended that principals should inculcate the idea of setting up of committees to resolve conflicts. Principals should allow a free flow of information while communication gap should be prevented. Principals should endeavour to make use of dialogue strategy in managing conflicts in schools. They should be sensitive to students’ grievances before the grievances get out of hand. This could be done by having discussions with students on pressing issues in the schools and by allowing students to participate in decision-making.

Key words: Principals, management, conflicts, public, secondary, schools