Exploring the causes and implications of financial mismanagement in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district

Abstract

Financial management still remains a challenge in many schools because most school administrators lack proper training in financial management skills that enhance the effective use of finances in schools. The focus of the study was to explore on the causes and implications of financial mismanagement in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district. A narrative research design was employed for this study. The target population comprised of teachers, Head teachers, Provincial Education Officer, District Education Board Secretary and accountants in the selected secondary schools in Lusaka district. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 20 participants. Data was collected using interview guides.  The study findings revealed that the causes of financial mismanagement in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district are lack of adequate training, lack of financial discipline, misapplication and misappropriation of funds, lack of adequate planning, lack of external and internal auditing, lack of transparency and lack of financials skills of Head teachers and accountants. The research also established that the implications of financial mismanagement in selected secondary schools include compromised quality of education, lack of adequate infrastructure and poor sanitation, lack of teaching and learning materials and failure to achieve set goals or planned activities. This study recommended that the Ministry of Education should train Head teachers in financial management so as to equip them with the needed knowledge to manage finances and should emphasize the use of financial management Act of 2018 as guide in the management of finances in secondary schools.