Role of School Health Teachers in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Among Secondary School Students in Niger State

School health teachers occupy a central position in shaping the health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of adolescents in Nigeria, yet their effectiveness in promoting healthy lifestyles is underexplored in the North Central context. This study examined the role of school health teachers in promoting healthy lifestyles among secondary school students in Niger State. A descriptive survey design was used, with 300 students and 40 school health teachers selected from senior secondary schools in Minna, Suleja, and Bida local government areas. Separate structured questionnaires were administered to students and teachers. Data were analysed using frequency tables, means, and chi-square tests. Results showed that students who received regular health instruction from qualified health teachers demonstrated healthier dietary choices, higher physical activity levels, and better knowledge of communicable disease prevention compared to those without consistent health instruction. However, many schools lacked qualified health teachers, and health education was often merged with physical education or delivered by non-specialist teachers. Only 38 percent of schools had a functioning school health committee. The study recommended strengthening pre-service and in-service training for school health educators in Niger State and ensuring adequate staffing of dedicated health education teachers. Keywords: school health teachers, healthy lifestyles, secondary school students, Niger State, health promotion