PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF LECTURER-STUDENTS' RELATIONSHIP ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ANMABRA STATE

The main purpose of the study was to determine the perceived influence of lecturer-students’ relationship on the academic performance of students in public universities Anambra State. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 212 (400 level) students of Educational Management and Policy and Educational Foundations Department in the 2023/2024 academic session in Public universities in Anambra State and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. The entire population was used without sampling because it was manageable. Two questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. The instruments were validated and their reliability test conducted. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analyze data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that open and consistent communication between lecturer and students influence academic achievement of students in public universities in Anambra State to a high extent. The finding of the study also revealed that mutual trust and respect between lecturer and students influence academic achievement of students in Public universities in Anambra State to a high extent. Furthermore, the finding of the study revealed that lecturer-students’ relationship significantly influences students academic performance in public universities in Anambra State. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended among others that administrators of public universities should prioritize initiatives aimed at fostering open and consistent communication between lecturers and students by implementing regular feedback mechanisms, establishing clear communication protocols and providing training for lecturers on effective communication strategies