PRINCIPALS' USE OF ICTS IN ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND THE CHALLENGES FACED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract The study investigates principals’ use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in administrative functions and the challenges faced in the administration of secondary schools in the South West Region of Cameroon. To achieve this objective, the research question was stated from which the hypothesis was formulated. A mixed method approach with the convergent-parallel mixed design was adopted for the study. A questionnaire and interview guide was used to collect data. The sample size comprised of 143 principals. The purposive sampling technique was used. The instrument was validated and reliability checks were done through a pilot study. Data from questionnaire was analyzed through descriptive statistics -frequencies, percentages, and multiple responses set (MRS). The hypothesis was tested using Simple Linear regression analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the use of ICTs in administrative functions is statistically a strong and significant predictor of the challenges faced by principals (β = .755, t =35.034, p < 0.000). This indicates that a one per cent increase in the use of ICTs will lead to a 75.5% increase in the challenges faced by principals in administration. To add, some of the challenges faced by principals in the use of ICTs include: poor internet connection, frequent power cut, inadequate facilities, lack of ICT skills, and lack of technical support. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Secondary Education should give priority to providing, ICT devices, internet facilities as well as electrical power devices such as generators and solar systems to improve on ICT access and usage in the administration of secondary schools. Training should also be provided to principals on how to use ICTs. Keywords principals, ICTs, administrative functions, challenges faced in administration