PRINCIPALS’ PERCEPTION OF SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION

Abstract This paper investigated principals’ perception of single-sex education. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised all principals in the Federal Capital Territory – Abuja. The sample of the study was 30 respondents who were drawn from the population through purposive and random sampling. A self-designed instrument tagged ‘Principals’ Perception of Single-Sex Education Questionnaire’ (PPSSEQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two educational research experts working with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Abuja. The reliability coefficient of 0.82 was obtained through a Cronbach Alpha analysis of the copies of the instrument used for pilot testing. Mean ratings. Chi-square and regression analysis were the statistical techniques used for data analysis. Findings revealed among others that high academic performance, less distraction, etc, are benefits of single-sex education while sex-segregation, communication gap, etc are negative effects of single-sex education. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that single-sex education be implemented especially in secondary school and adequate curriculum made available.