Impact of Financial Management Practice on the Functionality of Senior Secondary Schools in Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impact of financial management practices on the functionality of senior secondary schools in Gombe State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the influence of money collection and budgeting practice on school functionality. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 576 staff across 144 senior secondary schools in Gombe State, from which a sample of 236 respondents from 59 schools was selected using Taro Yamane’s formula at a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by three experts. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings reveal the extent to which schools adhere to sound budgeting principles such as aligning expenditures with approved budgets, involving stakeholders, and ensuring transparency in financial management. The study concluded that effective financial management practices are critical determinants of the functionality, sustainability, and operational efficiency of public senior secondary schools. The study recommended that school administrators and the Ministry of Education should strengthen transparent financial systems, improve budgeting processes and enforce regular financial monitoring to enhance school functionality