Appraisal of Human Resource Management Practices in Private Secondary Schools in Anambra State

This study appraised the human resource management practices in private secondary schools in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Human resource management in educational institutions encompasses the recruitment, development, motivation, performance appraisal, and welfare management of school personnel. In Anambra State, the proliferation of private secondary schools has created significant variation in the quality of HR practices, with potential implications for teacher performance and student outcomes. A descriptive survey design was employed. The population comprised 180 principals, vice principals, and senior teachers from 30 private secondary schools in three educational zones in Anambra State. Using stratified random sampling, 90 respondents were selected. A validated Human Resource Management Practices Questionnaire comprising 48 items was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were employed for data analysis. Findings indicate that most private schools maintain adequate recruitment procedures but exhibit serious weaknesses in staff performance appraisal, professional development provision, and compensation equity. Schools that adhered to structured HR practices were found to have lower staff turnover and higher examination pass rates. The study recommends that the Anambra State Post Primary Schools Management Board should establish minimum HR practice standards for all registered private secondary schools and conduct periodic inspections to monitor compliance and protect the welfare of teaching staff. Keywords: human resource management, private secondary schools, Anambra State, educational administration, school management