Training the Body, Shaping the Citizen: An Evaluation of Health, Psychology and Leadership Outcomes from a Residential Programme

Abstract

University co-curricular programmes have been instrumental in encouraging the development of students especially in health behavior, psychological well-being and leadership skills. However, empirical research studies have not extensively covered the effects of short-term residential programmes aimed at nurturing citizenship and leadership skills among university students in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a week-long residential training programme in citizenship and leadership on health behaviors, psychological factors and leadership skills among students. An exploratory sequential mixed method approach consisting of quasi experimental pretest/posttest design and interpretive phenomenology was used among students of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin. Two hundred and fifty-three students were assessed. Significant improvements were observed among the students’ health behaviors, t(252) = -8.47, p<0.05; psychological factors, t(252) = -10.26, p<0.05; and leadership achievements, t(252) = -11.08, p<0.05. Scores were generally better in posttests than in pre-tests for all variables studied. Theme analysis shows enhanced self-control, leadership efficacy, health awareness, team work, and psychological strength to be the primary impacts of the program. This research proves that short-term programs of citizenship and leadership training at universities can have positive impact on the behavioral, psychological and leadership capabilities of students