Bridging leadership and physical education: a study of implementation barriers, teachers perceptions, and students involvement in secondary schools Ekiti state, Nigeria

This study aimed to explore the obstacles to the implementation of the physical education curriculum in Ekiti State public secondary schools, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used, with 1,040 participants, including principals, teachers, and students, selected from 80 schools in 16 Local Government Areas. Three questionnaires were used to gather data: School Leaders' Questionnaire (SLQ), Physical Education Teachers' Questionnaire (PETQ), and Students' Participation in Physical Education Questionnaire (SPPEQ). The questionnaires were tested for validity and reliability using Cronbach's Alpha coefficients of 0.84, 0.87, and 0.78. The results showed that unhealthy facilities, under-funding, untrained staff, no staff training, and low priority given to physical education were significant barriers. Leadership strategies included collaboration with other agencies, budget restructuring, timetable adjustments, and staff support mobilization. Recommendations were provided to improve resource management, staff development, and leadership involvement to ensure maximum implementation of the physical education curriculum.