NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP NUANCES OF NIGERIAN EXAMINATION BODIES: THE MAGGOT-INFECTED FISH PHENOMENON

This study examined the influence of new public management on the leadership nuances of Nigerian examination bodies. The main aim was to ascertain whether or not the influence exists and empirically verify its significance or otherwise. Quantitative and correlational research design using cross-sectional survey was adopted. The study population was 120 respondents obtained from JAMB offices in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State all in Nigeria. Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size determination formula was applied to deduce 92 respondents which constituted the sampling frame selected using apurposeful non-probabilistic sampling technique. The validity of the research instrument was established on the basis of face and content approaches subject to exploratory and confirmatory tests of sample adequacy. The reliability was (α) ≥ 0.70 being acceptable threshold in line with Nunnally’s benchmark. The primary data obtained by means of structured questionnaire were analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient. The findings showed that all the four hypotheses were both positive and significant in their interactions. Based on these findings, it was concluded that new public management has positive and significant influence on leadership nuances of JAMB. Therefore, it was recommended that the management team of JAMB should adopt new public management to provide leadership at all the JAMB offices in the study. Moreover, further study of other branches of JAMB, other examination bodies and public sectors of the Nigerian economy can be replicated.