THE ROLE OF THE POLITICAL CLASS IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND INSTITUTIONAL POLICY IN NIGERIA

Political involvement in education is a complex and multifaceted issue, with implications for educational autonomy, equity, and student outcomes. This paper examines the role of the political class in shaping educational policy and the challenges that arise from this involvement. It was further highlighted that the political class shapes educational leadership through policy formulation, appointment decisions, and external pressures, embedding their values into the very fabric of educational institutions. The historical context reveals pivotal moments where politics and education converged, showcasing the enduring nature of this relationship. The paper concludes that political leaders play a significant role in shaping educational policies and practices and that their decisions can have far-reaching consequences for educational institutions and the students they serve. However, it is important to consider the challenges associated with political involvement and to take steps to mitigate these challenges. To address the challenges, the paper suggested among others that several different stakeholders, including Educational leaders, Policymakers, educators, other educational professionals, Parents and community members need to advocate for increased local control of education, allowing communities to make decisions based on the needs of their students.