Management of External Examinations and Accountability in Secondary Schools in Osun State

This study examines the management of external examinations and accountability practices in public secondary schools in Osun State, South West Nigeria. The conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examination Council examinations requires coordinated management at school, state, and national levels, yet accountability gaps in examination administration continue to compromise credibility and outcomes. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting 240 principals, teachers, and examination coordinators from schools in Osogbo, Ife Central, and Iwo local government areas. Data were gathered using an examination management practices questionnaire and an accountability mechanisms checklist. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were applied. The study draws on Principal-Agent Theory and the Educational Accountability Framework of Carnoy and Loeb. It assesses planning and logistics management, security protocols, invigilation quality, result processing transparency, and post-examination review mechanisms. Findings are anticipated to reveal significant vulnerabilities in security management and post-examination accountability reviews across many sampled schools. The role of principal oversight and district education authority engagement in examination accountability is also assessed. Recommendations are directed at the Osun State Ministry of Education, the West African Examinations Council, and the National Examinations Council on strengthening examination management guidelines, training school-level examination officers, and establishing clear accountability chains. The study informs education management policy on examination integrity in South West Nigeria. Keywords: external examinations, accountability, secondary schools, Osun State, examination management