INFLUENCE OF LEADERSHIP STYLES OF HEADS OF PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN NORTH WEST ZONE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The North West Zone of Nigeria is facing a critical challenge in the academic performance of students in public health institutions. Despite concerted efforts to improve academic outcomes, students' performance remains suboptimal, characterized by high failure rates, low graduation rates, and inadequate preparedness for professional practice. This study investigated the influence of Heads of Public Health Institutions' leadership styles on students' academic performance in the North West Zone, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the influence of Democratic, Autocratic, and Laissez-faire leadership styles on academic performance. A descriptive research design of survey type was employed, with a sample size of 370 from a population of 31,702 students and lecturers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed significant influence of Democratic (P=.098), Autocratic (P=.098), and Laissez-faire (P=.655) leadership styles on students' academic performance. The study recommends implementing comprehensive leadership training programs, regularly evaluating the impact of leadership styles on student performance, and promoting a collaborative leadership culture.