Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Ernesto Escobedo

Abstract

Inefficiency in the public sector as a result of leadership ineptitude is said to have contributed significantly to the underdevelopment of Nigeria. This has led to the mismanagement of human and financial resources as well as contributed extensively to poor service delivery to the citizens. The research considered the critical role of public sector administration to the functionality of a society, noting that the major determinant for public sector success is leadership effectiveness. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to identify how leadership ineffectiveness could be addressed in public sector administration in Nigeria and consider the implications of adopting a different approach to improve effectiveness. The study was partly informed by the dearth of literature on leadership in public sector administration, especially within the Nigerian context. The study was underpinned by leadership theories particularly strategic leadership. Research questions focused on existing leadership approaches and how it hindered/enhanced effective service delivery. The study utilized a case study of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and collected data through face-to-face interviews of 17 staff. Data was analyzed using content analysis and findings revealed the existence of pseudo leadership and blame avoidance behaviour which are detrimental to public sector efficiency. Recommendations are that strategic leadership, administrative accountability, patriotism and reframing be adopted to refine leadership attitude to work in TETFund and other public sector organizations. Application of findings will result in positive social change by providing adequate service delivery for the Nigerian populace thus improving their living standards and supporting economic growth.

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